The Salem City Council Monday night reviewed its $6.7-million general fund budget which is about a half-million dollars more than the budget approved last spring.
Just over $ 2.5 million dollars of expenses in the general fund are for the police department and are up about $250,000 over last year’s budget. The expense increases include a sixth telecommunicator, a 4-percent wage increase approved earlier, additional overtime to meet new state training mandates, and $70,000 for a fully equipped new squad vehicle.
City Manager Rex Barbee says several expenses are included to update the Public Works Maintenance Building.
“We do hope to redo a portion of the maintenance shed we have on Shelby Street. Some of that needs to be torn off and rebuilt. That’s a cost of about $120,000 we’re looking at for the next fiscal year budget.”
The public works budget also includes money to replace a 22-year-old dump truck.
Several other improvements will be made with grants from the Salem Tourism Commission. They include $18,000 for the restoration of the Bryan Birthplace Museum, an additional $10,000 being added to the fireworks display allowing for a $25,000 display, and $10,000 to assist with the cost of the Bicentennial Celebration.
The overall budget expenses total $ 20.7 million, an increase of just under $ 2 million dollars from last year. The other funds will be discussed at the April 3rd city council meeting.
Meanwhile, with revenue in this year’s budget expected to come in $125,000 above estimate, about $50,000 in projects have been moved up to this year’s budget in hopes of completing them before the start of the new fiscal year.
