The proposed financial plan, which will be the subject of a June 14 public hearing, will fund three entry-level positions in the public works department and a city planner. The proposal does not fund a T.J. Davis supervisor as requested by Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon.

The budget will also pull $660,000 from fund balance to balance the budget. The fund balance will remain at around 20 percent.

The city will rely on installement financing in the amount of $611,000, which will be used to purchase bigger ticket items for police, fire, public works and parks and recreation. The city's property tax rate of 65.1 cents per $100 of valuation remains the same. Employees will receive a 2 percent cost of living adjustment.

(The budget public hearing will be held June 14 at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall)

Scherer said in his budget message, “Achieving a balanced budget remains a challenge to provide effective services to our citizens … The state's economy is at its strongest since the recession ended over six years ago, yet the pace of growth here at home remains below average. We anticipate the economy to continue on a slow and steady path, as we did last year. Little change in this scenario is expected over the next 12 months.”

Council did express concern over an 11 percent jump in the cost of the city's group health insurance, with criticism coming from Councilman Wayne Smith the package was just finalized today. “It's ridiculous,” he said, saying it was time to seek bids from outsider vendors.

Mayor Emery Doughtie asked Scherer to explain to employees they have a choice to seek outside sources for coverage of their family members.

Smith did ask what would happen if council delayed consideration of the budget, Scherer responding it has to be in place July 1 or the city can't operate.

Smith said afterward, “Anything can happen. I don't think that will be the case (delaying). I just want a chance to look at everything in here.”

In closing the budget message, Scherer said, “We continue to strive to present a recommended annual budget that is balanced, protects the investments made in the past, fosters a work environment that ensures the safety of those who serve the city and provides services as economically and efficiently as possible.”