Videos from the Crossville city council special called meeting to approvie final action on the city 2016-17 budget.

First action taken on the budget was to increase the water and sewer rates.  Water rates going up 2 percent and sewer rates up by 5 percent.  Because of the finances of the department, a rate increase has been required by the state comptroller's office.  The comptroller's office wanted the rates increased all at once though in the discussion it was revealed that former city manager David Rutherford had negotiated a phase in of the increase.

Water and sewer rate increase discussion

Though the council says it wants to complete the downtown sidewalk project, the $3 million expenditure and loan was removed from the budget when an amendment to the budget was proposed by council member Danny Wyatt.  The council is waiting for information on the cost of the project if the city hires a 4 man crew that will be dedicated to sidewalk construction and repair.  Numbers on that program are being prepared by city engineer Tim Begley and public works department to be presented at the July regular meeting.

The final version of the city's 2016-17 budget remained in the red by $1.2 million with more than adequate funds in the rainy day fund to cover that amount many times over.  The tax rate remains at 63 cents with no increase over the previous year.

Budget approval and discussion and approval of amendment removing funding for the downtown sidewalk project. 

And the council approved the resolution listing the donations to the outside agencies and non-profits, all reduced by 10 percent from the previous year after a 10 percent reduction to most of them also in 2015-16 as well. 

Action on resolution of donations to outside agencies 

Water/Sewer rate increases in city budget, general fund budget improved with first reading of budget to be 5-17-16

Four members of the Crossville city council discussed the water and sewer department budget in the work session held Wednesday night at Crossville city hall.

City finance director Fred Houston went over the budget with the council members but few changes were suggested by the council. The water and sewer department budget revenues exceed expenses by about $160,000 and the budget includes a 2 percent increase in water rates and a 5 percent increase in sewer rates. Councilman Pete Souza was not present.

Interim city manager Steve Hill and Houston have also worked through the general fund budget that was $2.4 million in the red and with changes made in consultation with department heads have dropped the red ink to $900,641 for the general fund budget.

The council plans to hold a special called meeting at 5 pm Tuesday May 17 to approve the first reading of the budget and tax rate in title only. Council will then hold a work session to continue work on the budget following the called meeting.

The budget ordinance requires three readings and the second reading along with a public hearing is expected to be held with the June 9th council meeting and a third reading to come in another special called meeting before the end of June. The new budget goes into effect on July 1, 2016.