Ronan Council begins budget process
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
RONAN – Ronan City Council is in the process of asking the public and its employees how best to allocate funds for this year’s budget, after a preliminary hearing last week.
City officials used last year’s expenditures as their starting point for the budget, though predicted revenue sheets have not yet been calculated.
“This is what we spent last year,” City Councilmember Cal Hardy said. “Whether or not we had the money to cover it is a whole different thing.”
Mayor Kim Aipperspach said it is not ideal to make a budget without predicted revenue, but that estimates from other governmental entities haven’t been received yet. The City often brings in less revenue than expected because tax payments are not made by every person, Aipperspach said.
“It’s not good,” Aipperspach said. “I want to know if I have the money to cover it before I spend it.”
City Clerk Kaylene Melton said she expects overall revenues to be slightly less than last year, but the city also has almost $40,000 in excess from the previous fiscal year that will be reallocated to the general fund. Having that extra cash could mean more spending for the City’s departments, which is a flip in financial standing from the past few years when the city had to cut staff and services to make ends meet.
“Can we get a list from the supervisors about the City’s wish list, a new tractor, a new fire truck, that kind of thing?” Hardy asked the mayor.
Hardy also urged pragmatism when evaluating the budget, especially when predicted revenues are not prepared.
“Are there some red flags?” Hardy said. “If we use the rubber stamp, I don’t mind that, in theory, if it works as an estimate, but that can’t continue for five years in a row.”
The city posted a note on the door of town hall that said budget negotiations will continue on Sept. 26.
