Tuesday, March 31, 2009 — The city of Locust is holding the first of two public hearings on April 9, which will allow residents to voice any questions, comments or concerns about the proposed 2009-2010 budget.
“We usually do ours early in the year to give our residents ample time to discuss the budget,” James Inman, city administrator, said.
Inman explained that the proposed budget is a balanced budget with no increase in tax rates or any related city fees. It also reflects a salary freeze for all employees of the city, which includes no cost of living adjustments or merit increases.
“This will save the city approximately $50,000,” Inman said.
Also reflected in the proposed budget is the addition of three police officers, which includes two officers and one sergeant positions.
This addition follows a recommendation made by David McAlexander, a consultant who recently completed a study on the department and presented the findings to the council at the March 5 meeting.
“We felt it was very important to try to implement the recommendations from the consultant, though he recommended adding six officers,” Inman said.
“At this time, the city can only add three, but it still gives us more personnel to have officers available at most times of the day.”
The budget’s revenue, which consists of locally collected taxes, state collected taxes and city income sources such as fees, fines and interest on investment, was estimated conservatively due to recommendations from the North Carolina League of Municipalities, as well as investment professionals.
“We usually always estimate our revenues conservatively, but we’ve been more conservative this year,” Inman said.
The overall estimate for the general operating fund revenues is estimated to be $14,074 more than the 2008-2009 budget.
Additional funds were also included in the proposed budget for the Sanitation Department to begin curbside recycling effective July 1.
Each department was also asked to budget fuel expenses at a higher rate than the current prices, which Inman said was due to the inability to forecast the market prices.
“If prices continue to remain low, then a significant savings will occur in each department’s motor vehicle expense,” Inman said.
Inman explained that the proposed budget is a lean budget and allows for only minimal expansion of services or programs, but he appreciates the support from the Mayor Greene, council and city employees.
The public hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 9 and will be held in the council meeting chambers, 211 Town Center Dr., with a second public hearing to follow on May 7.
Contact Tiffany Thompson at (704) 982-2121 ext. 24 or snaponline24@carolina.rr.com.
Local News
Proposed Locust budget to be more conservative
Hiring of 3 police officers included in proposal
- Local News
-
-
World War II veterans will gather at luncheon
Stanly Community College (SCC) will host its 9th Annual WWII Veterans recognition luncheon May 29 in the Webb Student Center on the Albemarle campus.
-
Stanly County Family YMCA Awarded $25,000 Grant from ALCOA Foundation
The Alcoa Foundation has awarded a grant of $25,000 to the Stanly County Family YMCA to help promote water safety and swimming skills through the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program at the Y.
-
World's Largest Swimming lesson set for June 14
Stanly County Family YMCA serving as an official host location
-
Volunteers help United Way agencies, community during Day of Caring
On May 11, more than 80 volunteers gathered at various worksites around Stanly County to participate in the second United Way Day of Caring event.
-
City offers optional warranty protection
The city of Albemarle is introducing a new, optional program available to homeowners, provided through the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program administered by Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA).
-
Chamber members, elected officials help break ground on Richfield McDonald’s
The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce joined with local officials, clergy and business owners Thursday morning to break ground at what is to be the site of the fourth McDonald’s in Stanly County.
-
Manager proposes no tax increase; other rates may go up
Several changes are proposed for the upcoming budget year for Stanly County, according to County Manager Andy Lucas, who presented the recommended 2012-2013 budget during Monday night’s Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting.
-
Sheriff’s Office arrests sex offender, says he failed to notify it of address change
An Albemarle man is facing sex offender non-compliance charges after he failed to notify authorities of his address change.
-
IAC receives GM award for third time
For the third time in four years, International Auto-motive Components (IAC) was named the Supplier of the Year by General Motors.
-
Police arrest 2 on multiple charges
Two individuals were arrested after stolen property was found at a residence in Albemarle.
- More Local News Headlines
-
World War II veterans will gather at luncheon


