Roanoke Rapids City Council today began deliberating its financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

“The department heads did an outstanding job keeping the budget in line and payroll in line,” City Manager Paul Sabiston said.

In the budget summary, Sabiston noted $1,163,818 was needed to present a balanced budget to council today. “With reductions in expenditures and increasing revenues, this task was accomplished. The draft budget will allow the city to provide the services to our citizens at the current level.”

Sabiston also noted the tax rate of 62.4 cents per $100 of valuation will not increase. The budget is based on taxable property value of $1,084,022,466.

The summary says the solid waste user fee of $188.59 remains the same.

Several revenues the city normally receives are projected to be flat, the summary says. They include: The utility franchise tax, beer and wine tax, Powell Bill funds, solid waste disposal tax, sales tax and commercial solid waste fees.

The proposed budget includes $200,000 for installment financing and $237,327 for Powell Bill reserve.

It includes $264,716 for theater reserve, which council member Greg Lawson said depletes that. “The following budget it’s totally on us.”

While last year the city received $1,019,625.47 in theater lease payments from Lafayette Gatling, none are budgeted since he was ousted from the venue.

Sabiston said the city will receive some money from tax increment financing.

On expenditures the plan does not include the following:

No cost of living or merit increases for employees.

No funding for employee longevity pay.

No funds for the police chief’s position. The line item notes the position will be frozen for a year.

No funds for a vacant position in the planning department.

Other expenditures include:

Debt service of $604,177 and $1,774,578 for payments on the 2007 series bonds.

$30,000 for demolition of dilapidated houses.

Contract employee for a police department evidence clerk at $25,000.

A part time grant writer at $25,000.

$20,000 for developing a comprehensive plan.

$1,153,037 for street improvements and Powell Bill.

Matching grant for senior center general purpose grant, outreach grant and transportation grant.

Funds for police separation allowance, retirement, police 401-K, non-police 401-K, educational bonus for police and fire and retiree health insurance.