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Columbiana reviews 2011 finances, including rate changes
COLUMBIANA
With no new or old business on the agenda Tuesday, 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, “Minuscule.”
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.
City Manager Keith Chamberlin said work on South Main Street will cost an estimated $110,000 and that one insurance bill will cost the city $170,000.
Chamberlain also pointed out that a water tank needs repainted at a cost of $300,000. Blakeman asked if it could wait a year, but city officials said there are rust problems that need to be addressed soon.
Police Chief Timothy M. Gladis told council he’s able to stretch his spending since a career officer is retiring from the department. That officer had been paid about $60,000 a year while a new officer will be paid about $30,000.
He also noted that the police department’s old phone system, among other problems, has no voice mail.
Chamberlin said the actual appropriations will be presented to council during council’s two meetings in December for the two votes required by the city’s charter.