Web posted
Monday, July 14, 2008
City avoids tax increase with cuts
By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
news@arkcity.net
City commissioners made their cuts and will be presenting a budget that does not raise taxes at its meeting Tuesday.
The total budget calls for $17,724,050 for the 2009 fiscal year, which includes general fund, water and sewer, City Manager Steve Archer said.
At the work session Monday, commissioners are expected to set a public hearing, probably for the first meeting in August. They may pass the budget at the second meeting in August.
Several departments in the city will be feeling the axe. One of the biggest cuts will come to the museum, which will lose $50,000 in funding. This will keep the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum open, but will not pay for any special programs. Commissioners want the museum, and other entities, to become more self-supporting.
Big Brothers - Big Sisters will lose $10,000 in support, and PrairieFest will lose $900.
Several other departments will not be getting new vehicles and other equipment.
The amount of money spent will be going down by just over $7,243, Archer said. The city suffered a reduction in valuation -- mostly because of a state tax break on machinery -- which left nearly a $1 million shortfall. Commissioners decided to make cuts instead of raising the tax rate to make up the difference.
In other matters commissioners are expected to:
* Declaring August 5 as National Night Out in Arkansas City.
* Authorize contract with API for provision of nutrition services in connection with the Senior Center in 2009.
* Authorize renewal of agreement with Mediclaims for processing EMS billings.
* Accept transfer of property in Patterson Park.
* Waive special assessment proceedings and consider ordinance levying special assessments to pay the cost of internal improvements in Patterson Park.
* Authorize the offering for sale of general obligation bonds.
* Review bids and award contract for S. Summit KLINK project.
* Set public hearing to determine status of potential dangerous structures located at 1315 North. 5th, 400 North. D, 314 East. Maple, 516 South. C.
* Set date for first regular meeting in August. The regular date would fall on the same day as National Night Out. They may change the meeting time or the date.
* Consider Mayor's appointments to City Boards.
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