Aurora OKs 2023 budget, land and truck purchases
AURORA – Following a third reading, City Council on Jan. 23 approved the 2023 appropriations, which are estimated to be $20.76 million in the general fund and $49.1 million in all funds.
Those numbers are about 7.3% and 14.6%, respectively, over 2022’s budgeted amounts. General fund revenue is projected to increase 8.3%, with income tax expected to account for $17.09 million (82% of total) and property tax for $1.96 million (8%).
Previously, Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin said the revenue increase is largely due to higher expected income tax receipts, and a 40.6% increase in the capital project amount is mainly due to infrastructure improvements.
“As our city grows, we are evaluating personnel and infrastructure needs so the city continues to deliver premier services and provides optimal 21st century amenities to residents,” she had said.
In other action, council approved the purchase of two parcels amounting to about a half-acre on Route 43 north adjacent to Fire Station 2 from Shelene Studzinski for $347,500. The mayor said the land could be used for future expansion of the fire station, but there are no immediate plans to do that.
Council also OK’d the purchase of two trucks for the service department. A 2022 Chevy Silverado MD and a 2022 Silverado 2500HD will be purchased from Ganley Chevrolet for $58,136 and $59,349, respectively.
Council previously had OK’d purchasing a 2023 Ford F-600 and 2023 Ford F-350, but because of unavailability the city will instead purchase the Silverados. The rates for the new trucks reflect government bid assistance.
A 2009 Ford F-250 and a 2009 Ford F-550 currently in the department’s fleet will be offered for sale on govdeals.com.
Other business
The GPD Group was awarded a contract to provide consulting services related to a recreation center feasibility study in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The money will come from the recreation fund.
Michael Kubrin’s employment as a GIS specialist/zoning inspector was approved. He is a replacement for a staff member who resigned.
A conditional zoning certificate to allow an outside extension of a permitted use for a property at 239 E. Garfield Road was approved. It will allow Good Nature Therapy Services to operate an office with outdoor facilities.
Renewal of the city’s Microsoft 365 annual subscription at a cost not to exceed $30,240 went to third reading. The subscription would cover all MS office systems used citywide.
Also heading to third reading is an amendment to the codified ordinances dealing with parking. It would add a clause stating a vehicle cannot be parked on a residential lot under 1 acre unless it is entirely on a hard surface that is not gravel, grass or dirt.
Heading to second reading is the dedication of roads and water/sanitary sewer lines in the right-of-way on Beljon and Scarlett lanes and William Court in Phases 2-3 of the Preserve at Beljon Farms.
Also moving to second reading is an ordinance to authorize the following banks to be recipients of city deposits for the period Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2027: BMO Harris, Fifth Third, First National of Pennsylvania, Huntington, JP Morgan Chase, TriState Capital, U.S. and Westfield.
Womer Benjamin presented a proclamation to resident Darrell McNair, who earned a 2022 humanitarian award from the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. He is the CEO and president of the MVP Plastics Corp.
Contact the newspaper at auroraadvocate.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Aurora OKs 2023 budget, land/truck purchases
