Published: April 01, 2009 08:57 am      

Proposed Locust budget to be more conservative

Hiring of 3 police officers included in proposal

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 — The city of Locust is holding the first of two public hearings on April 9, which will allow residents to voice any questions, comments or concerns about the proposed 2009-2010 budget.

“We usually do ours early in the year to give our residents ample time to discuss the budget,” James Inman, city administrator, said.

Inman explained that the proposed budget is a balanced budget with no increase in tax rates or any related city fees. It also reflects a salary freeze for all employees of the city, which includes no cost of living adjustments or merit increases.

“This will save the city approximately $50,000,” Inman said.

Also reflected in the proposed budget is the addition of three police officers, which includes two officers and one sergeant positions.

This addition follows a recommendation made by David McAlexander, a consultant who recently completed a study on the department and presented the findings to the council at the March 5 meeting.

“We felt it was very important to try to implement the recommendations from the consultant, though he recommended adding six officers,” Inman said.

“At this time, the city can only add three, but it still gives us more personnel to have officers available at most times of the day.”

The budget’s revenue, which consists of locally collected taxes, state collected taxes and city income sources such as fees, fines and interest on investment, was estimated conservatively due to recommendations from the North Carolina League of Municipalities, as well as investment professionals.

“We usually always estimate our revenues conservatively, but we’ve been more conservative this year,” Inman said.

The overall estimate for the general operating fund revenues is estimated to be $14,074 more than the 2008-2009 budget.

Additional funds were also included in the proposed budget for the Sanitation Department to begin curbside recycling effective July 1.

Each department was also asked to budget fuel expenses at a higher rate than the current prices, which Inman said was due to the inability to forecast the market prices.

“If prices continue to remain low, then a significant savings will occur in each department’s motor vehicle expense,” Inman said.

Inman explained that the proposed budget is a lean budget and allows for only minimal expansion of services or programs, but he appreciates the support from the Mayor Greene, council and city employees.

The public hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 9 and will be held in the council meeting chambers, 211 Town Center Dr., with a second public hearing to follow on May 7.



Contact Tiffany Thompson at (704) 982-2121 ext. 24 or snaponline24@carolina.rr.com.