Council adopts budget with some dispute

JOHNSONVILLE - In a recent meeting with two members of council not present, the council voted to adopt a FY Budget of $2,028,780.10 for the 2009-2010 year.

Absent from the meeting were Councilmen Carl Skinner and Dale Strickland. Councilmen David Eaddy and William Kelly opposed the budget, however, their votes were overridden with Mayor Steve Dukes voting and the budget was adopted following a public hearing. Only one resident was present for the hearing.

After Mayor Steve Dukes asked for a motion for adjournment Kelly said he had something to say and was given the opportunity to speak. He asked, “Can three members of city council pass a budget?”

Mayor Dukes responded by saying that as long as there was a quorum present, they could.

Kelly said he did not like the way the budget was written with funds allocated because they are expected to come in when it isn’t known whether they will or not. Kelly had not taken part in the discussion of the budget, but sat with his eyes closed during that time. Only after it had been passed did he speak up.

Tanner had addressed the issue to which Kelly referred in several meetings and reported that he thinks there are funds that would override that amount, a cushion if you please, should the funds not materialize. Basically, at question are funds from an outside company, which Tanner did not mention in public session that wants to send wastewater to the city’s Waste Water Treatment Plant to be treated there.

In a later conversation Tanner said it would be a good deal for the city and that he expects it (the deal) to happen but it can be handled if it doesn’t. If it comes to fruition, it would mean an additional income of $134,100 approximately that is being used to balance the budget.

A cost summary of the budget is Water Department-$549,500, Sewer Department-$182,000, WWTP $444,000 and General Fund-$853,280.10. General Fund includes Sanitation-$210,630.60, Police-$467,031.50 and Administration-$175,618.

Tanner explained that there will be no increase in water and sewer rates, but there will be an increase in tap fees per council approval in February. Once the water extensions are complete, the city will acquire roughly 200 new customers that would affect the city’s revenue.

Among budgeted items for new expenses are $3,000 for a Gator (or similar) utility vehicle for the Sewer Department and first choice will be from state surplus. Also, $8,000 is allocated to repair and paint the existing trailers and purchase two new trailers for the sanitation department. The need for a new copier for city hall, a new police car as recommended by the police committee and city council and an amount allocated for the Christmas Parade of $2000 were discussed.

Money is included for streetscape completion and additional application if required.

There will be no salary increases during this budget year nor will there be any new hires. Salaries will be reallocated throughout departments to better reflect actual costs associated within those departments.

Tanner noted that the contract with Wellman will end in 2010 and that they will address that issue before that time comes.

Tanner said the General Fund Budget includes a 17% cut in state funds (approximately $8,000). Florence County finance expects property taxes and LOST revenue to remain constant.