The Culver Town Council members opened a public hearing Monday night regarding the 2020 budget.
General Fund is just under $1.9 million with the total 2020 proposed budget at $5,242,778.
Clerk-Treasurer Karen Heim said she anticipates the budget to be short $299,140.
“So, $200,000 of that is for the purchase of the fire truck which we anticipated and already approved,” explained Heim. “The $99,140 I have a feeling we may end up making up a good portion of that between income that would be above what I’m estimating, because I try to estimate income low, and then budgets that aren’t completely spent.”
One resident asked about utility costs and asked if the town could contract with Indiana Municipal Power Agency to reduce costs. Council President Ginny Bess Munroe commented that she’d attended a conference where information concerning IMPA was provided and seemed like a positive route to go. The town may look into that in the near future.
Other comments included the growth quotient and the variables considered when discussing tax rates and budget estimates. Heim said a lot of specific figures remain up in the air as some percentages aren’t figured yet.
After the public hearing concluded, the town council members voted unanimously to approve the budget ordinance on first reading. The budget is expected to be adopted during the next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
