All about the budget
Edmonton City Council members (L-R) Wayne Wilson, Teresa Hamlett, Curt Estes, Mayor Doug Smith, Cathy Nunn, Faye Word, and Austin Bragg. Photo by PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
The Edmonton City Council held its regular June meeting on Monday, June 6th with all in attendance except City Fire Chief Jerry Clemmons.
Mayor Doug Smith presented his budget proposal message prior to the first reading of Ordinance #2022-23-01 for the FY 2022-2023 Budget, which was later approved.
Smith noted that the city’s CERS pension contributions have increased and so have the proposed health insurance premiums, which have increased by 4.43%.
The budget includes funds for new software, maintenance, and a $1 per hour increase for current and starting officers for the Edmonton Police Department. Also included is funding for a Crew Cab 4WD truck and ¾ ton 4WD pickup for the Public Works Department.
The budget also includes a $4,000 increase in the city’s contribution to the Edmonton-Metcalfe 911 Center and the budget continues to include contributions to the Chamber of Commerce, Hospice Program, Farmers Market, and Metcalfe County Historical Society.
Perhaps the biggest item is a cost of living increase of $1.25 per hour for all city employees based on employee evaluations and per the pay scales for the specific job classifications.
Regular Business
In regular business, Resolution #2021-2022-08 – FY 22-23 Municipal Road Aid in the amount of $35,363.55 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, was approved.
Ordinance # 2021-22-07 amending the 21-22 budget was approved as follows:
a. Increase the estimated appropriations fund balance of the General Fund by $10,000 from $1,685,342 top $1,695,342. Fire Department Expense;
b. Increase the estimated revenue fund balance of the General Fund by $10,000 from $2,421.097 to $2,431.097. Fire Department Grant;
c. Increase the estimated revenue fund balance of the General Fund by $207.136.11 from $2,432.097 to $2,638,233. ARPA 1st Tranche;
d. Increase the estimated appropriation fund balance of the General Fund by $71,019.08 from $1,695,342 to $1,766,361. ARPA Premium Pay for Essential Workers;
e. Increase the estimated appropriation fund balance of the General Fund by $35,000 from $1,766,361 to $1,801,361. Police Department Salary Expense;
f. Decrease the estimated revenue fund balance of the General Fund by $40,000 from $2,638,233 to $2,598,233. Net Profit Revenue;
g. Increase the estimated revenue fund balance of the General Fund by $25,000 from $2,598,233 to $2,623,233. Payroll Tax Revenue.
Also approved was Ordinance # 2021-22-07 amending the 21-22 budget by increasing the estimated appropriation fund balance of the Water Fund by $25,000 with KIA Interest, and increasing the estimated revenue fund balance of the Water Fund by $163,000 from an ARC Grant.
The council also approved Resolution #2021-2022-07 which authorizes Mayor Smith to apply for the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure and Modernization Grant Program funds to be used to improve/repair/or replace existing pipeline systems.
One bid was received for the shade and concrete work for the Edmonton Memorial Park Project. That bid was rejected due to a large increase in material costs since the bid notice went out. The increase is so great that only a portion of the shade work can be done at this time. The council members chose to bestow authority to Mayor Smith to negotiate prices for the materials.
Other Business
The council approved the requests by the Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce to close a portion of East Stockton Street during Summerfest on June 11th. A request is being made to the state highway department for the closure of a portion of Hamilton Street for the October 3rd Pumpkin Festival.
The July meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 18th at 4 p.m.
Special Called Meeting
A specially called Edmonton City Council meeting was held on Thursday, June 9th specifically for the 2nd reading of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance #2022-23-01, Ordinance #2021-22-07 Budget Amendment to the General Fund, and Ordinance $2021-22-08 Budget Amendment to the Water Fund.
The 2nd readings were unanimously approved for all three which are published within this paper.
