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Fairburn’s new budget revealed

Fairburn is still fine-tuning their new $16,600,000 budget for fiscal year 2004-2005, but concerned citizens had their first chance to take a peek and ask any questions at a special meeting Monday afternoon. Copies of the proposed figures were made available at City Hall and the Public Library to anyone who might be interested.

“This is the first time it has ever been passed out like this.” Councilman Doug Crawford noted.

There were a handful of people present to ask about the numbers listed. City Administrator Jim Williams, along with the Mayor and Council fielded several questions regarding everything from the new E-911 system to staff salaries.

After eying the brief layout, one local, Bob Jones brought up the possibility of opening the Duncan Park swimming pool next summer. “This is something that I think is critical. Maybe we need to look at ways of doing that.”

Mayor Hannah sympathized with Mr. Jones telling him the city has applied for grant funds from the county and state. Jim Williams added that there had been a source of funds for the pool until the company responsible became involved in litigation and had to pull out. Matching funds exist in the budget for such a project when a new source of outside revenue can be found. Williams also said it would cost between $150,000 and $200,000 to bring the facility up to code and another quarter-million per year to operate.

Faced with what can seen like a cryptic list of figures, one citizen asked about the huge difference between telecommunication revenues and expenditures. It was made clear that a variance had been passed earlier in the year to account for the nearly $250,000 price tag.

City staff was also on hand to clarify general fund vagaries like “other taxes.” Beer and liquor licences and hotel/motel taxes were said to make up the majority of the $386,000 amount.

Even the $158,300 price tag for the City Administrator came under scrutiny and Williams was ready to explain the various uses. Saleries, benefits, meetings, conferences and publications related to the position help round up the total.

The mayor commended Williams and city employees for “good management,” added that “we need to make sure we are good managers of your tax dollars.”

Councilman Marian Johnson said, “I wish there were more people interested in the budget.”

There will be a second public hearing September 27 at the next regular City Council meeting.