2012 Mentone Budget Slightly Higher, but No Wage Increases
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
MENTONE – After the Mentone Town Council went through the estimated proposed 2012 budget line by line, the budget totaled only slightly more than the 2011 budget.
All funds combined, the proposed 2012 budget totals an estimated $581,977. The 2011 budget totals $562,903.
The proposed 2012 budget includes a zero percent wage increase for town employees across the board.
The estimated Motor Vehicle Highway fund for 2012 was set at $38,900, up from $37,647 in 2011. The only increases were a $1,000 increase in wages, a $3 increase in other under operating supplies, and a $250 increase in sand and gravel.
Earlier this year, the town council had to cut $3 from its 2011 budget as dictated by the state, so the council cut the $3 from operating supplies. Last night, the council put the $3 back in the budget for 2012.
The fund for Local Roads and Streets will remain the same as 2011 at $13,000.
The cemetery fund will increase by $500 from 2011 to 2012. The increase comes from a $500 increase for the sexton, who is Utilities Superintendent Eric Carlin.
In the Cumulative Capital Development fund, the town usually never budgets any money. However, for 2012 the council budgeted $10,200 for the town’s share of a grass truck for the fire department.
The Cumulative Capital Improvement fund for 2012 will remain the same as 2011 at $6,000.
While the town’s County Economic Development Income Tax fund will remain at $72,000 for 2012, two fund amounts were switched. The storm sewer line item was reduced from $65,000 in 2011 to $50,000 in 2012, but the line item for demolition of buildings was increased from $5,000 to $20,000.
Carlin told the council the water tower will need painted but that could possibly be put off another year.
Clerk-Treasurer Barb Ross said it was obvious the water department can’t pay for the water tower painting, which could cost more than $70,000. However, money could be budgeted in CEDIT and hydrant rental funds also could be used.
Ross also recommended a decrease in the storm sewer line item because the money isn’t needed for 2012 and the state has been overpaying municipalities for CEDIT. Ross doesn’t think the town will get as much money next year in CEDIT.
The Riverboat and Rainy Day funds will remain at zero dollars for 2012.
Of all the funds, the General Fund is the largest.
For 2011, the General Fund is $430,056. The proposed estimated 2012 General Fund is $437,677.
In the General Fund, the police wages will remain at a total of $76,092. Legal fees will decrease from $10,000 to $8,000, while the line item for the building inspector will increase from $1,000 to $1,500.
Insurance is expected to go up 15 percent, Council President Tim Croy said, so an increase in that line item had to be made. It was raised from $34,200 to $40,000.
“That is only police insurance,” said Ross. Additional money for sewer and water also will have to be budgeted.
A $500 increase in “other” was also approved for 2012 as the line item is already in the red for 2011.
Insurance for the town’s buildings, trucks and other property was increased for 2012 from $12,500 to $15,000. Ross said she had no idea how much of an increase it would actually be.
The new equipment line item will remain at $44,000 for 2012. Town Marshal Jim Eads said the police department will be looking to get rid of its 2005 Ford at the end of the year and the department may need more radio equipment. Carlin said a trailer vacuum would be a nice piece of equipment for his department to have, but it would cost between $30,000 to $40,000.
After the council went through all the budget line items, Eads asked, “Is the zero percent raise across the board or just for police?” “All across the board,” Croy answered.
Ross set the public hearing on the budget for Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. The regular monthly meeting for September will follow at 6:30 p.m.
