The Plymouth City Council members discussed the 2018 budget in a special session Monday night.
The budget is tightened up for 2018, according to Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver. She said that every department worked diligently to cut their budget and department heads and managers are not to spend more than 95 percent of their budget.
Council member Jeff Houin said according to his figures, even with the salary raises in the fire department, Chief Rod Miller was able to find $27,000 in cuts. He said his budget is at the bare bones and hopes funds will hold out through the year. Police Chief David Bacon cut $244,000 from the budget despite salary increases, noted Houin. Two squad cars will be paid for out of Riverboat Funds in 2018. He credited responsible budgeting on the behalf of both departments.
Park Department Superintendent Michael Hite asked for big ticket items that he cut out of the 2017 budget in order to satisfy budget cuts. Upgrades in LED lighting are planned as well as paving a portion of the River Park Square to go with the Greenway project. He would also like to update a basketball court and buy needed equipment.
Many of the departments reported cuts in line items concerning fuel, equipment, telephone, and repair costs. Some even reported a status quo from last year’s budget.
Overall, $1.3 million was cut from the proposed budget. The city council adopted a resolution approving the reduction of appropriations totaling approximately $606,000 which is money that will not be spent this year.
The public hearing concerning the budget is anticipated for Monday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the city council chambers in the city building.
