Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

Fayette City Council

Aldermen get first look at new city budget

Justin Addison Editor/Publisher
Posted 6/24/20

Members of the Fayette city council were given a preliminary look at the city's fiscal year 2020/2021 budget during a public forum Tuesday evening. The nearly $6.3 million budget was prepared and …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
Fayette City Council

Aldermen get first look at new city budget

Posted

Members of the Fayette city council were given a preliminary look at the city's fiscal year 2020/2021 budget during a public forum Tuesday evening. The nearly $6.3 million budget was prepared and presented by interim city administrator Jeff Hancock. Fayette’s fiscal year begins July 1. The Board of Aldermen is expected to formally pass the budget at a special meeting on June 30.

The city’s budget is very similar to that of a year ago, which does pose a slight risk considering the economy which has suffered in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales tax revenue is down, but property taxes have increased. “Most of the revenues are conservatively budgeted,” Hancock explained. Insurance increases are expected and planned for within the proposed budget. While there is no plan currently to grant raises to city employees, Hancock suggested the city re-evaluate its financial situation in sixth months.

Hancock made several suggestions, such as the hiring of a separate city clerk and city administrator, and removing sinking funds that limit the city’s financial options. Having a dedicated city clerk, he said, is an important component of checks and balances within city government. “There is a real need for better record keeping. The records are not in very good shape.”

Hancock also said the city needs a dedicated building inspector and zoning inspector, and provided funding for those positions in the new budget. All positions, and vacant positions, are fully budgeted, he said. 

He also explained that the city needs to update its comprehensive plan, which provides guidelines for zoning. The last time the city had a comprehensive plan was 1963. “It is in the plan, the vision for the community. It’s what drives everything else,” he said.

Hancock also strongly advised the city to dissolve a series of sinking funds in order to free up cash. 

Fayette City Council, Budget

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here