City budgets electric, water and sewer for 2017, largest increase for capital equipment
Nov 30, 2016 | Community News |
The 2017 budget for the City of Gallatin will include a possible increase in electric rates. During their meeting on Nov. 28, the board discussed increasing the cost of service charge for electric. Electric rates haven’t been increased since September 2013. Currently, the cost of service is $10 and the board is considering increasing it to $11.50. As of now, the minimum charge for residential customers is $20. This represents $10 for 40 kilowatts of electricity and $10 for the basic cost of the service fee. The increase is to the service fee — making the total minimal charge $21.50.
The electric budget includes purchasing a new bucket truck less the amount of grant money from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Discussion was held on the dollar amount needed for tree trimming. Public Works Director Morey agreed to reduce the line and material cost by $10,000 in order to budget $20,000 for tree trimming.
The 2017 budget discussion moved to the water department. The biggest expense will be the new water plant in 2017 budgeted at $5.2 million.
The board agreed to increase the plant & equipment line item to $15,000 which will include cleaning both filters at the current water plant. The filter cleaning will reduce buildup and maintain the filters until the new water plant is complete.
The sewer department will have a few budget changes for 2017. People Service’s monthly charge will increase by $110 per month.
The skid loader monthly payment will be removed per board’s approval to pay off the skid loader with capital equipment line in the 2016 budget.
The largest increase for 2017 is for capital equipment for $75,000, which will be used to replace two blowers at the sewer plant. The board plans to transfer out of the sewer savings account to fund the $75,000 blower expense.
The Police Department has been busy completing end of year paperwork and officer training requirements. Christmas on the square was a success. The department is setting up to distribute Toys for Tots out of the old Hales grocery store building next to the Cupola building. Forms are available at City Hall.
Police Chief Richards submitted a report on activity from Nov. 14 to Nov. 28 with the following reports taken and tickets given: 1-Suspicious Person, Circumstance; 1-Found Property; 2-Theft, Bike; 1-Animal Control; 1-Peace Disturbance; 2-Traffic Accident with Damage; 1-Vandalism.
There are two dogs in the pound.
Street crews are still patching potholes around town, according to Public Works Director Mark Morey.
Crews are raising manholes on MM highway due to a sewer issue involving Casey’s and Shopko.
Electric crews are continuing to replace cutouts. The bucket demo truck has been returned.
Public Works Director is proposing the board considers selling a few old pieces of equipment, as well as advertising for sealed bids for scrap metal and wire.
Morey provided a quote from ACCO Unlimited Corporation for a filter media cleaning with air souring and backwash for the west filter at the current water plant for $2,620.45. The cleaning will help reduce buildup and prolong the usage of the filter. The board requested Morey collect additional bids.
Bills in the amount of $215,118.39 were approved for payment.
Discussion was held on the People Service Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Report for October 2016.
The board accepted the Water Well Lease Agreement and Easement with the Macy Revocable Trust and the City of Gallatin for the purpose of extracting water out of Well #1, Well #2, and Well #4.
City Clerk Bailey has submitted an election ad for the positions of mayor, east ward alderman, and west ward alderman. The opening filing date for candidates is Dec. 13.
The new water plant contract has been approved by City Attorney Robert Cowherd and is waiting for USDA’s approval.
The mayor and board requested an honorary proclamation be distributed to local businesses in remembrance of a long-time business owner of Gallatin.
The mayor and board of aldermen expressed appreciation to everyone who participated and helped with Christmas on the Square, stating that, once again, it was a great event for the community.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the City of Gallatin held on Nov. 28 at city hall. Present: Mayor Barb Ballew, President of Board John Whitfield, Aldermen Steve Evans, Carol Walker, Dan Lockridge, City Administrator Tony Stonecypher, City Clerk Hattie Bailey, Public Works Director Mark Morey, Police Chief Mark Richards, Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett
