City Manager Joseph Scherer unveiled the plan at a work session Thursday.
In the plan, he allots $25,000 for the purchase of a new vehicle for the planning and development department — a Ford F-150 four-wheel drive that is proposed to be purchased through installment financing.
For the police department he has assigned the following:
• $25,000 for a MorphoTrak Livescan fingerprinting system
• $100,000 for three new patrol cars proposed to be purchased through installment financing
• $10,000 for computer replacement
For the fire department $70,000 is assigned for 10 new air packs.
For public works, $100,000 is allotted for resurfacing and a $30,000 for a leaf machine.
For parks and recreation the following is allocated:
• $18,000 for a heater for the Aquatic Center
• $175,000 for the proposed skate park
• $75,000 for a trail at Chaloner Park
• $75,000 for concession and restroom improvements at Ledgerwood Field.
About $325,000 for parks and recreation improvements is expected to come through grants and donations.
“I think our departments do a decent job in controlling costs,” Scherer said. “They try to control expenses where ever they can. The capital improvement plan is something we really need to do.”
Coming off a meeting Tuesday in which it was announced the city and HSV Entertainment were parting ways on the theater, Mayor Emery Doughtie said, “We may still be under the burden of debt. If we restructure we can free up money. We might be able to extend the debt. If we change the debt, we might free up some funds and might alleviate some tax burden.”
Councilman Wayne Smith said he was concerned with purchasing the vehicles through installment financing. “I think we have enough debt out there. I think planning needs another (vehicle). It's time we bite the bullet and get another vehicle so they can do their job. Instead of debt financing, I'd rather see it come out of the undesignated fund balance. I don't think we need to be increasing our debt.”
There is $4.6 million in the undesignated fund balance, Scherer said.
Scherer told council he anticipates presenting a $13.8 million budget that includes the capital improvement plan, proposes no lay-offs, pays the yearly theater debt and could possibly include a 1 percent salary increase.
With uncertainty still looming over anticipated revenues, Scherer said the financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year is conservative.
Councilwoman Carol Cowen said she is concerned about the number of cars being driven home by employees and wanted a list. “It's something we really need to look at when we're paying insurance on 54 cars and gas. We're spending a lot of money. I'm just looking for ways we can cut.”
