Columbiana council reviews spending for 2011

COLUMBIANA

With no new or old business on the agenda tonight, Columbiana City Council members took a look at the city’s finances for 2011.

Councilman Bryan Blakeman said before the meeting that council was looking at a $37 million budget for the new year. He hoped council would take a look at the figures before taking action.

City Finance Director Kevin Smith told council, “There will be a small carryover at the end of 2010.”

When asked how small, he said, “Miniscule.”

Smith added that the city is exploring the rates it charges for some services.

Officials noted that spending for police is up 24 percent and water department costs are up 26 percent.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.