Portland OK's first reading of budget (08/19/2008)

County officials will have a role in the approval of Portland's 2009 budget.

Because of House Bill 1001, members of the county council will have to review the city budget before the Portland City Council can approve it on second and final reading. Previously, only the city council voted on the budget.

City council members approved the 2009 budget on first reading Monday night.

The 2009 budget is set at $7,062,484, up from the 2008 budget, which was $6,577,000 before cuts were made by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.

The budget includes appropriations for the mayor, city council, city court, the police department, the fire department, the airport and the street and park department.

One of the most noteworthy changes is the increase in the budgets for fuel for city-owned vehicles.

An additional $10,000 for fuel is included in the police department budget, and an additional $30,000 is included in the street department budget.

The proposed budgets for the fire department and park department also reflect increases for fuel.

Also included in the 2009 budget are hikes for vehicle repairs and maintenance, as the cost of such services is expected to rise. The cost for street repairs is set to increase by $5,000 because of rising costs of petroleum products.

The city budget is expected to go to the county council on Sept. 10, with city council reviewing it on final reading on Sept. 15.

Bruce Hosier, mayor of Portland, said he and other city officials try to make the budget fair to the taxpayer. It's important for the budget to promote progress, he added.

Before council members voted on the budget Monday, a public hearing was held.

None of the council members and no one in the audience commented on the proposed budget.

Also Monday, Hosier encouraged city residents to be good hosts and ambassadors for the city this week.

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