During the budget workshop before Monday’s council meeting, Mayor butch Berry noted revenue has been down this year, but it is not unusual for winter sales tax figures to be slow. Alderman Terry McClung noted that last year at this time, the budget was behind expectations but recovered by the end of the year.
Alderman David Mitchell asked about the figures for reimbursement for ambulance services, saying he would hate to be shocked later to see a large amount the city had not collected or actively pursued. He said it was a concern to him he does not get more responsive answers from the Fire Department about collections.
Budget Director Lonnie Clark said there has been a change in both collection and billing companies, and he would be discussing this with ESFD staff this week.
Mitchell said he appreciated Clark’s involvement because “the outstanding amount is significantly large to walk away from.” McClung agreed council should get better information so they can track these figures.
Berry said he would follow up and report back.