A Little Red: Proposed Woodbury Budget Passes First Reading

Woodbury's Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved on first reading Tuesday night the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011, which begins July 1.

The budget shows a projected General Fund deficit of $83,703. Total operating revenues for 2010-2011 are estimated to be $1,564,337 while total operating expenditures are projected at $1,482,440.

Highlights of the proposed budget include:

GENERAL FUND:

• Property tax rate is proposed at $0.99 per $100 of assessed value (same as last year-No Increase)

• One penny brings in $4,053.22 in property tax revenue (based on assessment summary from County Property Assessor office)

• Local Beer Tax Revenue is projected to be $41,500

• Revenue from state shared taxes are down approximately 8.8%

• Interest income continues to decrease

• Total operating revenue is down 3.3%

• Park repairs and maintenance increased to replace a few pieces of playground equipment, new mulching, and picnic tables

• $2,620 is included for the town’s share of a proposed 4th of July Fireworks show for the community

• Capital expenditure items include Resurfacing tennis and basketball courts, radio repeater for fire department frequency, and a new patrol car for the police department. The patrol car is being paid for from the General Fund, Police Dept Equip & Training Fund, and Drug Fund.

• A 3% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) is included for all employees. The current employee pay rate will not be changed and the COLA will be calculated on current base pay rate. It is proposed to be given in December 2010 and June 2011.

• The Cannon County Senior Citizens Center has requested an ADDITIONAL $5,000 donation; This amount is NOT included in the budget figures.

• There is an (-$83,703) deficit budgeted in the General Fund….It is proposed that this amount be taken from the general fund cash balance instead of considering a property tax increase.

SOLID WASTE FUND:

• County Executive requested an additional $10,000 for Landfill expense (This amount is NOT included in the budget)

WATER & SEWER FUND:

• Figures are adjusted to exclude revenue and expenses related to Gassaway area

• New expense line item for Engineering Fees ($10,000)

• Increase building repairs line items (new tile ceiling required at water plant per state inspection)

• Increase in Laboratory Fees due to new testing requirements

• Capital Expenditures include purchase of additional AMR meters($90,000), rebuilding Parker Hill Pump Station ($44,000), and a Push Camera for sewer lines ($9,570)

• 3% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) also included for water and sewer employees

In other business during Tuesday night's regular monthly meeting, the board:

• Approved roadblock requests for American Legion and Cannon County High cheerleaders. The Legion will be holding their fundraiser collection on May 29 and the cheerleaders on July 24.

• Heard a request from Lisa Baird, director of Cannon County S.A.V.E., for a contribution of $5,000 to go toward operating expenses incurred by the domestic violence assistance agency which serves both the town and the county.

• Heard a complaint from William Pittman, a resident of Old Pumphouse Road, about poor water pressure in the line running to his home. City Public Works Director Alan Paschal said the line has been tested and meets all the standards set forth by state and city engineers.

Pittman's home is currently being served by a two-inch water line. He wants a larger one to address the problem.

"We are not in violation," Paschal said. "If they choose to live on a hill it is their responsibility to put a pump in if they want more pressure."

Paschal said a pump costs about $500.

Pittman did not leave happy. "When I fight you in court you are going to pay for it," he told the council before departing the room.

• Heard from David Fleming, owner of The Scavenger Hunt Trading Post on the square. Fleming first apologized to the council for complaints the town has received about store staff and furniture sitting outside of the location, making it difficult for people to maneuver along the sidewalk. He said the problems have been addressed.

Fleming then urged the council to see if anything could be done about the truck with flat tires that sports signage for the business next to his, J.P.'s Fine Swine BBQ. Fleming said the truck creates parking problems for both his business and that of the restaurant. He also said potential problems could arise if every business on the square promoted itself in such a manner. The board decided to refer the issue to the planning commission.