Crockett approves CEIDC budget, sale of refunding bonds
Houston County Courier
By Lynda Jones
Managing Editor
Once again there was no public comment during a public hearing regarding the Crockett City Council's pro-posed tax rate change Monday, Aug. 23. That proposed ratechange is 0.49940. During Monday's meeting, the council members approved the 2010-2011 fiscal year budget for the Crockett Economic and Industrial Development Corporation. The CEIDC Board of Directors approved a proposed budget on July 19, but the Crockett City Council tabled discussion of the budget during its Aug. 2 meeting. The revised proposed budget that the Crockett City Council approved Aug. 23 was approved by the CEIDC board on Aug. 16. The revised and approved budget shows expense reduc-tions in the areas of supplies, professional services, dues/ subs/printing/pub., salaries and USDA loan payment. The first proposed budget allowed for $118,000 in salaries and the final approved budget allows for $115,000 in salaries. The USDA loan payment was initially estimated at $180,000 and the approved budget figure for this payment is $160,000. Also included in the budget is $1.5 million for “A Prospect Incentives”, $20,000 for consultant services, $15,000 for promotional advertising and $5,000 for public relations. In other action, council members approved an ordi-nance that authorizes the issuance of general obligation refunding bonds, series 2010. Council member Ansel Bradshaw was the sole vote against the ordinance, arguing that council did not receive the 36-page document explaining the process in time to read it before the meeting. Bradshaw said he wanted to read the document and make sure he is making the best decision for the people and city of Crockett. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Holcomb said the city is facing $700,000 in payments this year if the city does not restructure. He added that if the city did not approve the sale of refunding bonds, the new budget would be “out the window” and the city would be looking at a deficit. Also during Monday's meeting, council members approved the appointment of Charles (Chuck) Cunningham to the Crockett Economic and Industrial Development Corporation Board of Directors. Cunningham replaces Terry Cutler who moved out of the city, making him ineligible for the board. There was continued discussion by Police Chief Jimmy Fisher, Council, and owners of “BYOB” establishments regarding allowable operating hours. Fisher restated what he said in previous meetings; the state law mandates no alcohol served or on tables after 12:15 a.m. Monday-Saturday or after 1:15 a.m. on Sunday. Council did not take any action on the matter. |
