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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — Members of a city committee Monday night got a glimpse into the 2010 budget — a measure that is $2.8 million less than this year.
Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock unveiled the preliminary budget to members of the city finance committee. The measure is estimated to be $47.029 million — down from this year’s appropriations of $49.875 million.
“It will change a lot,” Hitchcock said. “It’s been a hard one to figure out based on the economy.”
Hitchcock said one of the areas he limited were raises for city employees. None were included in the budget except for those already negotiated into union contracts.
“We tried to get out as much as we could this year,” Hitchcock said. “We did our part — hopefully in November we can add more in.”
A sagging national economy and reduced income tax collection rates have put a impact on the budget, Hitchcock said. In addition to raises, Hitchcock said nonessential training for police and firefighters as well as vehicle purchases are expected to be limited in 2010.
“Anything for certification will not be cut out,” Hitchcock said.
Hitchcock said city councilors’ decision to lease a motorcycle for the police department helped push the need to purchase a new squad car back a year. In 2010, the budget calls for the purchase of one car instead of two.
“It has helped out a lot,” Hitchcock said.
Committee members also talked about the creation of a fund that would cover incidental expenditures including food for mayor’s meetings and Christmas parties. Hitchcock said staff members are checking with the state auditor’s office to determine what is necessary to establish such a fund and what legislation would be needed to be passed by councilors.
“We might have to do an ordinance that spells out what we have to use it for,” Hitchcock said. “I don’t know how specific we have to be.”
Hitchcock said taxpayer money would not be placed into the fund and that revenue from rentals and other fees would go into it. Councilor Mike Kleinhenz said he wanted discussion in front of city councilors so that a measure could be approved before SummerFest.
“I’d like to be able to read it twice,” Kleinhenz said. “Even if we discuss it, if you have discussion on the floor, people know about it.”
The measure could be brought to the next city council meeting or the first meeting in July, Hitchcock said.
Committee members also received an update on future plans for a parking lot and possible shelter house across from the tumbles, near the former city power plant. Hitchcock said he plans to ask councilors Monday night for approval to seek design plans for a parking lot and shelter house.
“We aren’t asking for money to spend,” Hitchcock said. “We just want to design them (together).”
Hitchcock said a possible shelter house would have handicap-accessible restrooms and could resemble a shelter house near East Bank.
Another piece of legislation slated for the council floor regards an assessment placed onto a property located at 848 Indiana Ave. The former motel’s demolition, cost the city $14,916. The fee will be assessed to the property. Hitchcock, he noted the property is for sale, said he requested the resolution so that any future owner would be aware of the assessment. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 July 2009 )
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