City adopts budget for new year

Candy Hughes’ and J.D. Lee were presented a framed copy of a resolution recognizing their service with the City of Gallatin during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held Dec. 20 at city hall.

J.D. Lee has announced his retirement. Mr. Lee has been with the city since it started its gas project in 1995.

Candy Hughes is planning to finish her Associate Arts (AA) degree. She will be taking classes at Trenton through Graceland College, which is based in Iowa. She will be working toward a degree in elementary education. Her teaching certification will be good both in Iowa and Missouri. She said she might continue her education further and obtain Title One certification.

After first and second readings, the board agreed to an ordinance adopting an annual budget for the fiscal year beginning on Jan. 1, 2002, and appropriating funds pursuant thereto.

Alderman Schweizer stated his disappointment following the passage of the 2002 city budget and particularly the finances of the natural gas department. He stated that he felt a state audit or court involvement may be necessary.

Mayor Davis commented about the consequences of continuing losses in the natural gas department and the impact that a loan default would have on the city’s financial future. He further stated that the current board is continuing the decisions made by previous boards and that tough decisions will continue to be necessary until the debt can be cost-effectively restructured or refinanced.

Separate ordinances passed authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement with the Gallatin Fire Protection District to lease real estate and equipment. An ordinance also carried which repealed certain sections of the city code relating to the establishment of a city fire department.

City Administrator Jason Helton provided an update on efforts to improve the billing and collection procedures for city property taxes. Beginning next year, an agreement has been reached with the county to include the city tax on the annual county/township tax statement. This new process should drastically improve efficiency, save money, and increase convenience for the taxpayer.

Gallatin Police Chief Jim Wycoff provided an update on department activities. Howard J. Duckworth was announced as a new police officer with the city. Officer Duckworth will began his duties on Dec. 21 and fulfills the fourth officer and COPS grant-funded position.

Bills in the amount of $121,940.38 were approved for payment.

City holiday were set for 2002.

Bids were reviewed and discussed as submitted from three vendors. The board agreed to purchase a 1999 one ton extended cargo van from Red X Motors in the amount of $14,000.

The city election filing period remains open through Jan. 15, 2002, at city hall for the positions of one East Ward Alderperson and one West Ward Alderperson.

A zoning board meeting will be held on Jan. 10, 2002, at city hall.

City Hall will close at noon on Dec. 31 to allow for end of the year accounting activities.

Discussion took place related to the activities and procedures during the transition of the city administrator/city clerk following Jan. 9, 2002.

During comments by aldermen, Norm Griffin stated the city’s economic development/new business welcome ads were a good idea and that they should continue.

Bob Snidow led a discussion related to a residential sewer problem following a letter received by each member of the board. The board asked the city administrator to continue to follow-up with the resident.

Alderman Morrison inquired bout zoning issues along West Johnson Street following a phone call from a constituent.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held at city hall. Present were Mayor L.B. Davis, aldermen Bob Snidow, Norma Griffin, Shonna Morrison, Gene Schweizer and City Administrator Jason Helton.