June 29, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
The Smithville Aldermen Monday night will meet in regular monthly session to consider passage of the new budget on second and final reading.
The council approved the budget on first reading last Thursday night, June 21.
The budget totals almost $6.4 million. Under the new spending plan, the property tax rate will remain the same at 64.9 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Water and sewer rates, which were increased last year, will not be changed this year. City water customers pay $7.25 per thousand gallons of usage. Rates for customers outside the city limits pay $10.88 per thousand. Sewer customers both inside and outside the city pay $6.75 per thousand gallons.
Although cuts were made in proposed spending in other areas, a one percent cost of living pay raise for city employees has been included in the budget and their longevity bonuses will remain. Raises due employees in the step wage plan will also be funded.
The half time employee at the animal shelter will be funded on a full time basis. The full time director at the animal shelter, who earns $15.00 per hour, will be raised to the same as entry level pay in other departments. The Chamber of Commerce will also be getting an increase in funding of $5,000 putting the total contribution at $15,000 from the city.
A used utility truck with a dump bed is budgeted for the water/sewer department as well as a newer used vehicle for animal control. New software for police department evidence identification has been included in the budget along with $9,500 to install a wrought iron fence around the veterans monument at Green Brook Park.
Fire hydrant repairs and maintenance of $25,000 is being funded in the water and sewer budget and the city plans to replace 400 feet of sewer lines on Bright Hill Road, a $40,000 expense. The city will also purchase 2 air tanks for the sewer plant and buy a tank for the plant at a cost of $1,261.
In other business, monthly departmental reports will be given and the aldermen will act on second and final reading of proposed ordinance # 475 adopting a revised Ordinance for the City of Smithville Zoning Ordinance.
Any other business properly brought before the board will also be considered
The meeting Monday night will be at 6 p.m. at city hall.