Maintenance Budget.

The Budget Ways and Means committee met Monday evening in City Hall. The meeting was their first in several budget hearings to be held on the fiscal year 2005 budget. City Administrator Tom Short reported that due to the current economic situation state wide, Carthage’s 2005 budget is going to be a maintenance budget.

"Under Capitol Improvements," said Short, "we will do what we have to and there will be no new projects this year."

Short explained that Carthage follows the state trend for municipalities and the budget is primarily funded by sales tax, property tax and franchise fees.

"Revenues are flat, state wide," said Short. "Some categories are up and some are down. We’re projecting a 1.7% increase this year in general revenues."

Over 60 Center Director Scott Teaford was present at the meeting to issue the request for $21,000 from the City’s upcoming budget for the center. The request was for $11,000 more than last year.

"We need $20,000 for utilities," said Teaford, "and $1,000 for maintenance. The size of the building is going to double and the utilities may too."

Teaford explained that the majority of the persons involved with the center are 75 to 85 years of age. He stated that it is impossible to do fund-raisers each month.

Teaford reported that the Over 60 Center will relocate to the First Christian Church Lighthouse for 8 to 10 weeks, due to the renovation and expansion of the center this summer.

"The facility is great for what we need," said Teaford. "It is large enough and has the kitchen accommodations we need."

Chamber of Commerce President and Economic Development Director Max McKnight submitted the organization’s request for $85,000 from the City. This is the fourth year that request has remained at $85,000. Tom Short stated that the amount is split each year between the City and CW&EP.

Humane Society Director David Butler was present and submitted the request of $16,800 for the Humane Society. The request came in $1,200 higher than last year.

Basically I’m asking for $100 more each month," said Butler. "We’re experiencing some growing pains. What we really need is more staff."

Butler reported that the Humane Society now has a thrift shop to help raise funds for the housing and care of the animals.

The City budget process is always an educational experience. Not only that, but it also in many ways defines what is important to the community.

Like any budget, there are just so many dollars to go around. Dollars allocated in one activity are taken from another. The Council votes on what is important by how many dollars are allocated.

‘Course that doesn’t mean those activities that don’t get funded aren’t generally important, just not as important to the general welfare of the community.

The police and fire departments get a good share of the overall budget. The street department has the gas tax that cannot be allocated to other departments. Looks like this year the emphasis will be on maintainin’ service levels we currently have.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• "Before you remove a Band-Aid, rub a little baby oil or vegetable oil over it. The oil will soak in and make it easier to remove. I use this trick on the kids all the time. No more ouchies!" — Verna P. in Utah

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