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Minutes for the special called Finance Committee meeting on December 18, 2006.
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Finance & Administration Committee Minutes
Monday, December 18, 2006
Special called budget meeting
3:00 p.m.
Members Present were: Darrel Dover, Judy Furr, Jim Hargis, Harold Perrin, John Street and Ann Williams. Also in attendance were Councilman Farmer, as well as Mayor Formon and Mr. Tony Thomas from the Mayor’s Office.
2007 BUDGET
Chairman Dover questioned what the current deficit is for the 2007 budget. Finance Director Don Ray stated the projected deficit right now of the O&M funds is $1.227 million plus $609,041 in restricted funds for a total of $1.836 million. He added the Capital Improvements deficit is projected to be approximately $1.2 million.
Mayor Formon discussed the proposed budget. He stated the budget includes a 4% pay increase for employees, 2.5% for a step increase and 1.5% for cost of living. He noted the City did not receive the grant for the 9 new firefighters, so they were added to the budget. He explained he was not sure why the City didn’t receive the grant and so they will be looking into a possible appeal. Mayor Formon further explained the budget included a safety tech position for HR, a part-time employee moving to full-time in Maintenance, the 9 firefighters, as well as health and dental insurances increases.
Police Department: Police Chief Michael Yates stated they have already cut their budget by $110,000, $55,000 out of Fixed Assets and another $55,000 out because of their physical fitness program. Discussion was held regarding hiring new police officers. Chief Yates asked the committee to allow him to hire five more officers. He noted hiring more officers would not affect the salaries because of the number of officers that come and go through the year. He added they are not losing officers to other enforcement agencies; rather they’re losing officers to the federal government and the private sector. Questions were then raised conce...
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