City pool in hot water financially

Right now as of July 1 the pool had lost over $8,000. That’s compared to last year’s total loss of less than $10,000.

There has been a decreased attendance this year for reasons that are not clear. Mr. Johnson said the cost to use the pool has increased in past year’s but there was no increase this year. The cost is $3 for daily entry.

Mr. Johnson said the city understands that the pool is not going to make money; that it will indeed lose money most years, but it is a question of to what degree.

"The $8,000 loss for one month is cause for concern," he said.

The viability of the pool will continue to be monitored.

"After the pool closes and we get all the final numbers we’ll sit down and take a look and see if the city can afford to operate the pool next year," Mr. Johnson said.

In other business at the meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held July 12, Police Chief Mark Richards submitted a report on activity from June 28 to July 12 with the following reports taken and tickets given: two dog bites; one animal abuse/neglect; one property damage; one check welfare; two assault; one burglary; one lost or stolen wallet; one supplying alcohol to minor; one recovered stolen vehicle out of Kansas (ATV); one missing person; three public assistance; one medical assist; one unattended death; one stealing; one vehicle lockout; one horse in roadway. There are five dogs in the pound.

Chief Richards gave an update on condemned buildings.

Bills in the amount of $158,798.25 were approved for payment.

Discussions were held on mutual aid agreement, street cut letters and a water leak at the school.

The semi-annual financial statement was reviewed.

The street improvement bank account in the amount of $1,530.89 was closed and the funds transferred into the city clerk’s account. The following transfers were also made to the clerk’s account: $6,000 from sewer replacement; $40,000 from the transportation tax; and $50,000 from the sales tax.

An ordinance was read twice which authorized the mayor to sign and execute the lawyer-client fee agreement with Chapman, Cowherd, Turner and Tschannen, P.C.

Scott Stephen’s proposal for the 2010 audit in the amount of $5,500 plus out of pocket expenses was accepted.

James Owings was appointed to the Dockery Park Board.

Discussion was held on the cost of wholesale electric rates.

Comments by aldermen were made regarding a water run off issue on S. Prospect and an alley off of E. Johnson.

Public comments were made regarding utility bill credit, no parking signs, and business licenses.

The board entered into closed session pursuant to hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting employees.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held on July 12, at city hall. Present were Mayor Barb Ballew; aldermen John Whitfield, Dan Lockridge and Carol Walker; City Administrator Zac Johsnon; City Clerk Autumn Acre; Police Chief Mark Richards; Trudi Burton and Belidna Woody. Steve Evans was absent.