Council Oks 2017 budget

GENEVA — The town is all set for 2017.
At its meeting Tuesday night, town council adopted next year’s budget as well as the 2017 salary ordinance, which includes funds allocated for facility improvements and raises for town employees.
The budget totals $1,021,243 overall, with its general and motor vehicle highway funds coming in at $580,743 and $255,700 respectively.
Clerk-treasurer Jane Kaverman told council members Dick Clutter and Agnes Schoch that the general and motor vehicle funds are slightly higher than 2016’s figures.
The additional monies will be used, in part, for a 41-cent per hour wage increase for town employees as well for building repairs and improvements, she said.
Funds are allocated for improvements at the town’s fire department and wastewater and water facilities as well for painting at town hall.
In its economic development fund, Kaverman has earmarked $80,000 for storm water, wastewater and water repairs and upgrades.
Also included in the 2017 budget is the salary for the newly created position of workforce manager. At its September meeting, council hired current town advisor Rob Johnson to fill that full-time role. The position’s salary is set at $38,500 for next year.
Johnson, who also serves as town marshal, is slated to earn $15,500 next year in that capacity. Kaverman’s salary is set at $37,499.94. The town council president will earn $3,102 with the other two members’ making $2,676.96.
Meanwhile, Johnson told council an additional utilities employee has allowed the town to reduce contractor costs and compete more projects.
In October 2015, council approved hiring the additional employee, who makes $13.57 per-hour.
A year later, Johnson feels the hire has paid off.
“We were told one of the things we had to do was prove that we could save money,” Johnson said.
Figures he provided to council Tuesday evening showed that the town has paid $30,719.97 to its “regular” contractors this year, a steep decrease from the $85,189.71 and $70,132.04 it spent in 2015 and 2014 respectively.
Additionally, figures from Johnson show in-house projects coming in significantly cheaper than estimated contractor costs.
“To me, we’re doing what we said we’d do. We’re saving money and getting more done,” Johnson said.
“I’m pleased,” said Clutter.
In other business, council, absent Jim Timmons:
•Heard from Pam Krause of Geneva Proud/Chamber of Commerce that a ribbon cutting is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 29 for the first phase of South Adams Trails. Haunted Downtown Geneva will be held 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27, she said. Council approved closing Line Street for the event.
•Heard from Kaverman that fire hydrant flushing will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 to Oct. 28.
•Received the September fire report, which included three first responder calls and carbon monoxide training. Fire chief John Patch commented it has been a quiet year for his department.
•Heard from Johnson in his monthly marshal report that police activity calmed down in September when compared to the previous month. Officers completed drug recognition and state mandates training last month, Johnson added.
•Was informed by Johnson that a grassy area behind the town’s fire station was removed and turned into a stone parking lot. He also told council Landon Excavating did asphalt work and repaired Shackley and Decatur streets, where town crews did storm water excavating. Additionally, a water leak in a 4-inch line on Sixth Street, near Short Street, was recently repaired by town crews.