City of Mullins adopts budget

Mullins City Council members had a public hearing this past Thursday and a special meeting regarding proposed sanitation fees and municipal budget proposal for 2009-10.

After the two public hearings, Council introduced two ordinances to increase rates for sanitary charges and sewer charges. City Administrator Pete Rogers reported there would be a 2.2 percent sanitation fee increase, as the sewer fee will increase from a $13.50 minimum to $15.

Rogers reported the total budget is $5,486,981, an increase of $153,092 in comparison to the 2008-09 budget. Anticipated revenue for the general fund is projected at $3,999,989, he said.
Rogers added that funds from the State are down as local aid to subdivision was cut $38,000 and the local option sales tax is currently behind six percent.

Rogers called it a bad year financially to organize a budget and the first time he hasn’t requested a raise in salary for employees. Revenue collected for the City’s water and sewer operation was $1,486,992 the prior year, he said.

Council also had a meeting on June 11. At that meeting, Rogers introduced the city’s intern, commending Alice Yen, a public policy major at Duke University, for her work ethic.
“She’s really been pleasant to work with. She’s eager to learn and very intelligent,” he said.

Council approved final reading for an ordinance amending the zoning for a portion of Park and Laurel streets and approved final reading of an ordinance to deed real estate on East Laurel Street, formerly known as Alleyway, Map 407 Block 11 lot, to St. Paul Baptist Church.

An ordinance to amend the date of the monthly City Council meetings from the second Thursday to the second Tuesday was adopted during this past week’s meeting. The next scheduled meeting will be on July 13 at 6p.m.

Council also introduced an ordinance to deal with real property on Academy Street. Gordon Harper, with Marion County’s Habit for Humanity, inquired about the property during this past month’s meeting in hopes of building additional homes.

Rogers said the ordinance allows Council to dispose of the property as it sees fit, but will have to get a quote on the sewer connection if there is to be development.

During committee reports, Rogers reported that the City has received funding to paint the parking lot at the Gapway recreation park, adding that the park will also receive a batting cage.

“It will be something that will help our kids learn to hit,” Rogers said of the new equipment.

Tarus Gilchrist reported that an overview of the Street and Sanitation department’s overview of activities will be presented to Council, adding that as many as 10 lots are being maintained by ownership after being notified.

Gilchrist reminded Council that there are still staffing needs, that but some residents have paid the cost of having the grounds of their property maintained.

Rogers reported that the City should hire a municipal judge to preside over weekend bond hearings. County Magistrate Darryl Burns has been stepping in to fill that role, as a temporary measure, while Judge Joe Cox has been in classes.

Council agreed to advertise the position.