The council members accepted a decreased budget for 2010 at its Feb. 1 meeting. Fiscal Officer Rick Quay said cuts of more than $725,000 off the budget since 2007 have been made.
“We have been discussing what we can do to cut this down to where we need to be. We are certified at $2.8 million. With the loss of businesses, we plan on hitting at $2.45 million, which cuts out a lot,” he said.
He said he knew it was going to be difficult.
“We have been operating in the red for a long time and this year we are operating in the black. We are going to monitor this on a daily basis. It has been tough and I thank council for their hard work. We are moving in the right direction,” Quay said.
“I think we have built a solid budget for 2010 and made some significant changes,” said Council President Rick Justice, adding council did increase the fire department budget to allow for full- time fire fighters. The budget includes giving Acting Fire Chief Barry Saley a permanent position as part-time chief.
They are cutting back some staffing in parks to save some money and they have allowed for some maintenance to the water system.
“We did have a water rate increase in June 2008. We started out at a negative $188,000 in the water fund. We are now up to a negative $78,000 and it looks like in over a year we will be positive in the water fund,” Justice said. “I think the key to the success of this budget is going to be daily monitoring of income and expenses.”
“We have now gone to a purchase order system which is going to clean up the process of buying goods for the village quite a bit. It is something the state auditors have wanted us to do for quite some time,” said Justice.
“I appreciate the support of council,” said Saley. “This gives us the ability to move in the right direction and kind of solidify what we want to be as an organization. This is one step forward to reorganize and a step in the right direction.”
Quay stated they are trying to compile all the information they can on the businesses in Lakemore and that they will compare what they have with RITA.
“We will also be doing the same with residents. This will be an update to make sure that taxes are going where they are supposed to be,” he said.
Kevin Owens resigned from council as he is on a disability pension and found that he is not allowed to serve in public service because of the pension. If he does, he would lose his pension.
He thanked everyone for voting for him and that he will still be actively involved.
“We know you came in with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and that your heart was in the right place,” said Justice.
The council will take applications for a very short time for the position. Call or stop at the Municipal Building if interested.
Councilperson Troy Bradfield said he attended a training session about Sunshine Laws and will present a public records policy for the village at the council workshop.
Councilperson Tom Wolfe said Quay and Chad Pryor had done a lot of work setting up the purchase order system.
“This is going to help us a lot. It will not put restraints on departments for anything they need but will put a check and balances system in place,” he said.
The next meeting will be on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
