Mayor breaks tie, approves budget

The proposed 2003 budget was accepted as presented after a tie vote was broken by Mayor L.B. Davis during a special meeting for the city of Gallatin held Dec. 2 at city hall. Voting for the proposed budget were aldermen Griffen and Snidow. Voting against the budget were aldermen Schweizer and Wycoff.

Discussion was held on the proposed 2003 budget.

Alderman Schweizer made the following motion: “The gas ane electric sales revenue figures are pumped up with overstated revenue of $180,000. I move the anticipated revenue from eclectic sales be reduced by $120,000 and gas sales be reduced by $60,000. Motion died for lack of a second.

Mr. Schweizer made the following motion: “I move the proposed salary increase for board members and the mayor be rejected.” Motion died for lack of a second.

Mr. Schweizer made the following motion: “I move the proposed salary increase for the City Administrator be rejected.” Motion died for lack of a second.

Mr. Schweizer made the following motion: “I move all other proposed pay increases be rejected, with the exception of those employees now making less than $10 per hour and employed by the city more than one year. The employees currently making less the $10 per hour to receive a 3% increase in wages.” Motion died for lack of a second.

Mr. Schweizer made the following motion: “It’s Kathy’s duty to submit a workable budget proposal, based on realistic income estimates and with all funds balanced. This proposal, with overstated income of $180,000 and general fund deficit of more than $100,000 is not even close to meeting expectations. If this board is going to spend hour upon hour to re-work this, what are we paying Kathy for? Therefore, I move Kathy be instructed to submit a proposal at our next meeting that meets these minimum expectations.” Motion died for lack of a second.

Alderman Becky Wycoff discussed the sick leave policy that will become effective Jan. 1, 2003. She stated that she has had employees talking to her about different ways the city could continue to pay the employees unused if they should depart employment from the city. Mrs. Wycoff stated that the employees had discussed the life insurance policy going from whole life to term.

Alderman Schweizer stated that no money had been budgeted for a city treasurer.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the special meeting for the city of Gallatin held Dec. 2 at city hall. Present were Mayor L.B. Davis, aldermen Bob Snidow, Norma Griffin, Gene Schweizer, Becky Wycoff and City Administrator Kathy Arnold.