By James B. Bartle
Following nearly five months and 12 special session meetings, the Sullivan City Council appears to be ready to approve its 2010 fiscal year budget as a public hearing has been set for 6:45 p.m. on Tues., Sept. 15.
City administrator Mark Falloon discussed the budget this week with the Independent News; a budget that reveals many interesting things and a lean year.
Overall, the city expects to take in some $36,910,471 in revenues, with $35,204,915 in expenditures.
Falloon reported that the only cut in city staff is the City Nuisance Inspector, which will be a combined position now between city building inspector Dan King and Sullivan police captain, Vernon Zelch.
“This is a pretty lean budget in the general fund and we’re spending much less in capital improvements as we try to wrap up the projects that we already have,” said Falloon on Friday.
Among the interesting moves by the council in the proposed budget is the funding of a full-time economic developer. Several council members have been very outspoken about bringing in an economic developer who cannot only bring in new development and business to the city but help existing business opportunities as well.
The position is funded for $93,400, which includes a pay rate of up to $79,400 and other associated expenses of $14,900.
“The council has funded an economic developer position at this point and has also decided to continue the fireworks display this year, as well as continue a marketing agreement for the city with the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce,” said Falloon.
In capital improvements, the city is still moving forward with the Springfield Rd. projects; phase two of the Vine St. project, which is funded through the federal stimulus act; and land acquisitions at the Sullivan Regional Airport due to safety regulations.
“We hope to begin meeting with the four or five property owners affected by the airport regulations in the next couple of weeks,” said Falloon. “The funds to purchase these properties are funded through the federal government at 95 percent.”
The funds for the land purchases is generated through the sales of aviation fuel and distributed through the Missouri Department of Transportation Aviation Division.
A hot issue with Sullivan residents that is still being addressed is utility rates.
As for water and sewer rates, the council is planning to seek a rate study on its water and sewer rates.
“Part of what’s being proposed with the study is to take sale of the hospital money, which has been loaned to the Elmont overpass project, and use a portion of that money as it comes in to help pay the water and sewer fund/new treatment plant,” said Falloon. “Pending the rate study, this should drop the fixed cost for sewer from $18.68 to $11.00 and the water rate is still to be determined. Our usage of water has not been as high as expected and affects these rates.”
Falloon stated that the city has still not received official word from its electric supplier, Sho-Me Power, on a proposed rate increase in October. The city absorbed a rate increase in April from Sho-Me Power; however, speculation is that a larger rate increase could be forthcoming in October that the city may have to pass on to its residents.