Based on the numbers presented by department heads in work sessions, it appears the projected 2015-2016 budget for the city could top the current financial plan by $3 million.
In noting that observation, Councilman Wayne Smith today directed City Manager Joseph Scherer to present a budget to council that is $14 million or less. “It's going to be a tough job for you,” he said.
No other council members objected to the directive after hearing from parks and recreation and the public works department.
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Scherer said following the work session he will work under that directive. “We still need to see where the revenue projections are at.”
As of today's meeting, Scherer said none of the revenue projections from the state had changed and there was no new news on whether there would be changes up or down.
The city is expected to lose $50,000 in property tax revenue from the county revaluation and another $350,000 from the repeal of the local business privilege license tax. The city is expected to see a decrease in Powell Bill funds of $4,500 and if sales tax revenues are redistributed by the state it stands to lose more than $800,000 in revenues over three years.