Staff and commissioners worked diligently last night to reduce the proposed millage rate from 6.125 to 5.96 during the city’s final hearing to address the budget before Oct 1.
Cuts from the proposed budget included, $14,000 to cover part of the expense to purchase a new vehicle for Betty Taylor-Webb, City Administrator, $12,000 to cover the operating cost to be accrued by Bill McCartney to lobby on behalf of the City. Plus, $8,400 due to a miscalculation of group insurance premiums; $2,000 due to a change in our overtime policy and $1,500 for the Dixie Theater as requested by Commissioner Valentina Webb.
At the suggestion of Betty, the Dixie Theater will now receive compensation from the Recreation budget to show free movies at the Dixie as part of the City’s recreation program.
Also included in the budget is a onetime bonus for city employees instead of a permanent salary increase. Employees will now receive a 3% bonus with a minimum of $1,000 at Christmas time.
The city commission made these last minute budget reductions due to a growing concern over the future of our national economy brought on by the collapse of some of our largest financial and banking institutions throughout the country.
As Mayor, I like to thank Betty Taylor-Webb, Lee Mathes, Chief Bobby Varnes, and the City Commission for their comprehension of the economic concerns facing the residents of the City of Apalachicola and I like to thank our Citizens Budget Committee for helping us get through this year’s budget cycle.
At the suggestion of Betty, the Dixie Theater will now receive compensation from the Recreation budget to show free movies at the Dixie as part of the City’s recreation program.
Also included in the budget is a onetime bonus for city employees instead of a permanent salary increase. Employees will now receive a 3% bonus with a minimum of $1,000 at Christmas time.
The city commission made these last minute budget reductions due to a growing concern over the future of our national economy brought on by the collapse of some of our largest financial and banking institutions throughout the country.
As Mayor, I like to thank Betty Taylor-Webb, Lee Mathes, Chief Bobby Varnes, and the City Commission for their comprehension of the economic concerns facing the residents of the City of Apalachicola and I like to thank our Citizens Budget Committee for helping us get through this year’s budget cycle.
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