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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-765821 Minutes of a Public Hearing of the Pulaski Town Council on the proposed budget for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1977, held June 22, 1976, at 4:00 P. M, in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. There were present: Mayor Raymond F. Ratcliff, presiding. Councilmen: C. William Hickam, Jr., Blair B. Brockmeyer, Mason A. Vaughan, William A. House, Bob J. Clark, Arthur L. Meadows, James M. Neblett, Andrew L. Graham Also present: J. E. Marshall, Town Manager Gladys R. Dalton, Clerk Garnett S. Moore, Town Attorney Roger Williams, Town Treasurer-Director of Finance John A. Johnston, Councilman-elect Gary Elander, Administrative Intern Visitors: J. R. Schrader, Southwest Times Jane Graham, WPW Radio Station Approximately twenty-five (25) citizens of Pulaski The invocation was given by Councilman House. Mayor Ratcliff welcomed the visitors and stated the public hearing on the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977 was being held in order that the citizens of the Town could appear and have some input in the matter. Mayor Ratcliff stated further that because of the need for additional revenue, the Council had proposed a utility service tax of ten (10%) percent for residential electric, gas or telephone PUBLIC service per month, not to exceed $10.00 on aII residential users; and, further, for a commercial or industrial user of electricity, HEARING gas or telephone, the tax would be computed on only $100.00, ten percent ($10%), or $10.00 on each utility service per month. Also ON ADOPTION a $5.00 increase in the auto license fee. OF PROPOSED Mayor Ratcliff stated the Town, at the request of the Merchants Council, granted free two-hour parking which resulted in a loss of BUDGET revenue to the Town in the amount of $25,000. He also brought out the fact that the Town's pension plan costs will increase by $25,000 in order to comply with State laws governing same. Mayor Ratcliff stated that in 1972 electricity and fuel for vehicles cost the Town $82,000 and this year the figure was $132,000, making an increase of $50,000. He also stated as a result of the r-~~d--, June 22, 1976 new State ruling dealing with drunk drivers, the Town would lose approximately $16,000 revenue in fines, and the utility tax was a means of underwriting the total $116,000 deficit. He stated the revenue must come from some source and Council felt this was the best approach inasmuch as an increase in the real estate tax would mean at least fifty (507,) percent to realize the necessary revenue. Mayor Ratcliff invited those present to speak in an orderly manner, giving their names and place of residence. However, he stated no action would be taken at this meeting, but that the Council would evaluate the suggestions of those speaking at this meeting, and it was hoped the budget would be adopted by the end of June. At this point there were no comments from the members of Council. 1976-77 BUDGET From the approximately fifteen (15) residents speaking on the HEARING proposed utility tax and an increase of $5.00 in the license fee, Council learned that a great majority of those voicing a complaint were against the utility tax and how it would affect senior citizens, or elderly persons with fixed incomes, or those retired because of a physical AND disability. Randy Leslie, Manager of C & P Telephone Company, for this area, DISCUSSION asked Council to consider excluding services where the Telephone Company faces competition. He stated some firms have their own system, but have C&P lines into the system. It was suggested to Council by various persons speaking against the utility tax, that the parking meters be put back into service and that the auto license not be increased by $5.00 as proposed. There was a lengthy discussion,approximately one and one-half hours, between the Mayor, Members of Council and those citizens present regarding the finances of the Town and the possibility of other areas to obtain revenue `to cover the $116,000 deficit. Mayor Ratcliff stated that Council had spent many hours on the study of the budget and felt this the best approach for securing the needed revenue. However, Council would certainly give consideration to the suggestions made bef ore a final decision is made. f.. ~ ~ D _, t~•->f~~-~ June 22, 1976 Councilman House asked that the Council explore the possibility, and also to get this matter on the agenda for immediate discussion, of considering changing the regularly scheduled meeting of July REG.MEETING OF JULY 6TH TO BE 6th to July 1, since the Council already has plans for meeting on HELD JULY 1 the first and inasmuch as some members of Council would be out of Town over the Fourth Weekend, and a quorum might be impossible. Councilman Vaughan moved that the matter of re-scheduling the regular meeting of July 6 to July 1 be placed on the agenda for immediate discussion. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brookmeyer, and carried. Councilman House then moved that the regular meeting of Council for July 6th be held July 1, at 4:00 P, M. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building. The motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried on the following recorded vote: C. William Hickam, Jr. - aye William A. House - aye Andrew L. Graham - aye Bob J. Clark - aye Blair B. Brookmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - aye Mason A. Vaughan - aye James M. Neblett - aye Councilman House moved that Council hold a Special Meeting on COUNCIL TO June 29th at 4:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers to further consider the HOLD SPEC. adoption of the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977. The MEETING ON motion was seconded by Councilman Meadows, and carried on the BUDGET 1976-77 f ollowing recorded vote: C. William Hickam, Jr. - aye William A. House - aye Andrew L. Graham - aye Bob J. Clark - aye Blair B. Brookmeyer - aye Arthur L. Meadows - aye Mason A. Vaughan - aye James M. Neblett - aye At 5:45 P, M. on motion of Councilman Vaughan, seconded by Councilman House, and carried, the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: ~~ yor Ratcliff ATTEST: 9 l/ / ~ ' /} ~J !i Clerk oft Council