Budget as proposed includes 3 percent pay increases.
by Kathy Foster
Chipley City Council members made it clear at Thursday’s budget workshop they want to take a hard look at the city’s funding for the 2019 4th of July Fireworks Show.
Council members said they are looking at a close to $10,000 expenditure to hold the event which they feel started out as a citizen led initiative to celebrate the holiday.
Incoming council member Kevin Russell questioned the budget item and wanted to know why the City was footing the bill, rather than a citizen led committee raising the funds as he feels was originally proposed when he previously sat on the city council.
Former council member Linda Cain also spoke up and suggested approaching the Washington County Tourist Development Council (TDC) for grant funding for the event which draws visitors into the community.
Council members Tracy Andrews, John Sasser and Brett Butler all wanted to look at other options rather than taking the $10,000 out of the city’s tight budget.
Councilmembers also questioned the need for new Christmas lights and decorations. The suggestion was made to get donations from the public and businesses to attract shoppers to the downtown area.
Summing up discussion on the proposed 2018-2019 budget, council members are looking at the following:
- Total Revenue and Reserve Balances $11,389,991
- Administration $ 600,657
- Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) $ 623,783
- Police $ 992,705
- Fire $ 235,770
- Cemetery/Grounds $ 221,770
- Street $ 1,203,698
- Recreation $ 238,700
- AMTRAK/Farmers Market $ 8,200
- Sanitation $ 728,250
- Water $ 717,500
- Gas $ 465,000
- Water Utilities $ 3,411,085