Budget freeze helping; goals ID’d

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Nicky Boyette – Mayor Butch Berry told city council Monday that his recent freeze imposed on spending is helping the city budget catch up a bit with the lagging influx of revenue. Nevertheless, the lack of revenue presents a handicap to getting a handle on long-range problems that Berry can easily identify but not resolve. He said the city must spend money on chemicals to treat sewage at the water treatment facility. If the city could purchase the chemicals in sufficient quantity, it would save as much as two-thirds of the annual cost, but the city cannot afford to buy the materials in bulk.

Berry said a similar situation exists for water testing. The city could save a considerable amount on its water testing if it could afford to build its own water treatment facility. The city cannot afford to build the facility now, but Berry said the goals have at least been identified.

Final items

  • Council voted to approve Susan Harman for a seat on the Planning Commission.
  • Berry got approval to accept sealed bids for sale of the White Street Fire Station.
  • Discussion of what to do about ghost tours and tour homes in general was sent back to Planning.
  • Berry suggested aldermen remove from their agenda expanding eligibility to sit on the Parks Commission until Parks provided an ordinance.
  • Council approved Resolution #683 which authorizes acceptance of a grant from the US Department of Agriculture for $47,000. The city is required to match $16,904. Funds will be used to purchase breathing apparatus and personal protective equipment for ESFD.
  • City Clerk/Treasurer Ann Armstrong presented first quarter financial documents for the city.
  • Council approved Resolution #684, which authorizes the mayor “to obtain bids on the possible refinance of the current City Ambulance Loan in an amount that will allow net proceeds of $100,623.” The mayor was authorized to expend the proceeds to retire the current debt on the ambulance loan in the approximate amount of $24,373 and purchase personal protective gear for $40,000, a fire hose for $6,750, replacement radios for $13,500 and two additional breathing units for $16,000.

Next city council meeting will be Monday, May 23, at 6 p.m.