Centerville’s $10.2 million budget closer to passage

A $10.2 million budget for the city has passed a hurdle on its way to approval June 20.

The spending plan made its way through a public hearing Tuesday with no public comment other than one resident saying she was pleased at progress the city is making putting in sidewalks, particularly recent sidewalks in the Woodhaven Road area.

During a presentation, city accountant Carol Harrison pointed out that the budget was based on the same millage rate that city officials have kept steady since 2013: 11.972 mills.

Harrison also pointed out other budget highlights: There are 65 full-time and 17 part-time positions in the city, including administrative, police, fire and public works employees, plus elected officials who are listed as part time.

Proposed budgeted salaries total $2.75 million.

Proposed employee benefits total $957,369.

Harrison also said the new budget maintains the city’s reserve policy, which requires that at least six months’ worth of operating expenses be set aside and that $1.5 million be maintained for future water and sewer improvements.

Mayor John Harley applauded the proposed budget and spoke a “well done” to those who prepared it.

He said any changes would be brought before the public before the budget is voted on at the council’s June 20 work session.

The new budget will go into effect July 1.

Harley gained unanimous approval Tuesday when he proposed canceling the council’s regular July meeting, which falls on July 4. He said city business would be taken care of at a July 18 work session or that, if necessary, a special council session would be scheduled.

This story was originally published June 7, 2017 at 6:44 PM with the headline "Centerville’s $10.2 million budget closer to passage."