With no discussion, the Trenton City Council on Friday afternoon unanimously approved a budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, showing a deficit of $115,696.
Approval comes just four days after the council rejected the initial budget, which showed expenditures outpacing revenues by just over $158,000. During a meeting of the finance committee on Wednesday, members cut an additional $19,942 from the expenditure side and, coupled with revenues of $22,380 that had not been included in the original budget, was able to reduce the deficit to the number finally approved by the council.
The new budget shows revenues anticipated at $3,105,607 while expenditures are projected at $3,456,366. Additional revenues of $235,000 will be transfered into the budget from the road tax to get the deficit to $115,696. Should all numbers come in as projected, the city would have a fund balance of $1,625,976 as of April 30, 2021, which is the end of the 2020-21 fiscal year. The city will be starting the fiscal year with a fund balance of $1,741,672.
The council is anticipating sales tax revenues to remain flat, with $760,000 budgeted for next year. With businesses closing or reducing their hours of operation due to the COVID-19 virus, several council members have expressed concerns about projecting an amount at that rate.
Among other large revenue amounts listed in the budget are $489,000 in ad valorem (property) taxes as well as $220,000 in utility franchise taxes and $380,000 in PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) charges.
As part of the budget expenditures, hourly employees will be receiving a 75-cent per hour raise while increment increases will also be given in the police, fire and street departments based on completion of certain certification and/or schooling. Salaried employees are receiving a $1,560 increase.
City Administrator Ron Urton will be receiving a salary of $87,080, with half of that amount being paid by Trenton Municipal Utilities for Urton’s role as the TMU director. City Clerk Cindy Simpson will receive $52,801 while Police Chief Rex Ross’ salary was set at $55,215. Fire Chief Brandon Gibler will be paid $47,768, Street Department Supervisor Gary Dryer will be paid $49,560 and Code Enforcement Officer Wes Barone will be paid $40,269.
The new budget also includes $20,000 to be used for economic development. The TMU budget approved at the April 14 meeting also has $20,000 included for economic development.
The capital projects budget is listed at $1,037,641, with the largest amount of money being spent at the airport at $483,733. This includes $409,180 in grant monies the city has received for airport improvements, along with $67,547 for airport lighting
The street department anticipates capital project spending of $442,909, which includes street maintenance and street overlay program costs of $230,146. Another $212,763 is being spent on payments for seven pieces of equipment, including a $61,074 payment for the new asphalt plant.
Capital project expenditures in the fire department total $65,586, including $20,300 to replace overhead bay doors and a $12,700 payment for the department command vehicle. The rest of the funds are being used for bunker gear, security cameras, concrete work, airpacks and energy grant costs.
The police department anticipates spending $11,913, including an $8,758 payment on a police car. Three prisoner partitions are also listed for purchase along with “outfitting” two patrol vehicles.
There is also $3,500 listed for the city sidewalk program as well as $30,000 for the city demolition program.
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