Redkey takes first look at budget (09/14/07)

REDKEY - Cost-saving measures and improvements in budgeting procedures here are apparently beginning to pay off.

"We're coming back," town council president Doug Stanley commented Thursday about the overall improvement in the budget picture. In addition Stanley said that the town should be aggressive in trying to find grants to help town finances even more.

Redkey clerk-treasurer Sandy Kirby pointed out Thursday night that the 2008 town budget will reflect an estimated increase in the general fund of slightly more than $55,000. This is possible because cash balances in the various funds have improved over previous years when there were past due bills to pay and other problems, Kirby said.

Having cash balance figures more correct for budgeting purposes has also helped out when planning for next year's budget, she explained.

The general fund covers most town services including the fire department, police department, operation of the clerk's office and payroll expenses.

According to budget estimates for 2008, the general fund will total $308,900 with $172,900 of that amount coming from property taxes. The current general fund tax levy is $152,000. Kirby continued that the town's overall budget, including the general fund, totals $507,600 for 2008 with a total tax levy figure of $192,500.

Kirby made her report Thursday night during the first of two public hearings on the 2008 Redkey town budget. The second hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, in Redkey town hall. Also she noted that next week's regularly scheduled town council meeting on Sept. 20 has been rescheduled to Sept. 27. It will begin immediately after the second budget hearing.

The new budget will take effect on Jan. 1, 2008, Kirby said. It earmarks $160,500 for administrative services including the operation of town hall and the clerk-treasurer's office; $118,000 for the police department; and $30,250 for the fire department which is run by volunteers.

The 2008 budget also includes $8,300 for the parks department. The 2007 parks figure, following numerous budget cutbacks, was only $3,500, Kirby said.

In other business at Thursday night's meeting, council members:

•Approved repairs for the town hall's main restroom, which needs a new floor and some leaks eliminated. Mold is starting to show up, Stanley pointed out. Redkey contractor Justin Dorman was authorized to do the work at a cost of $2,100.

•Discussed the need for future structural repairs to the clock tower and other portions of the historic Redkey Fire Station.

•Began planning for a town-wide fall cleanup day on a Saturday in October.[[In-content Ad]]