City Manager Rex Barbee says the proposed $6.2-million general fund budget is in the black before a transfer to help the city catch up on funding the police pension. The city council gave first reading approval to the budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1st on Monday night.
Barbee says revenues from most sources are forecast to be up and overall will allow the city to bring in $119,000 more than it is expending from the general fund. However, the fund will go in the red after a $413,414 transfer to the police pension system to shore up that fund as required by state law.
Barbee says $100,000 is included for improvements to the new soccer complex at West Main and Selmaville Road. He says they are also hoping to complete street resurfacing on Whitaker from Westgate to Delmar as well as West Boone from Broadway to College. Plans are also to complete the Kell Street Waterline Project as well as engineering for the South Broadway Waterline.
Barbee reported the 25-percent increase in water and sewer revenues approved earlier will cover all expenses in those two departments without further dipping into reserves. He has budgeted a $100,000 increase in chemical expenses at the water treatment plant and a new truck for water maintenance. The wastewater treatment plant is needing a new roof and the sludge storage tank needs recoating.
Barbee is budgeting more for the wholesale purchase of natural gas due to increased rates. $295,000 is included for replacing the natural gas lines on Circle Drive. A new truck is also budgeted, with the current vehicle going to the street department.
The city council will review the rest of the proposed budget at the April 4th meeting with a public hearing and approval of the budget slated for the April 18th meeting.
