Canal Fulton City Council hears presentation on 2023 budget

The Repository
·3 min read

Canal Fulton City Council

Tuesday meeting

KEY ACTION: Heard a detailed presentation of the 2023 budget.

DISCUSSION: Excluding water, sewer, and storm water fees, the city expects to have a carryover from 2022 of $2.8 million in governmental funds, new revenue of $4.6 million, and expenditures of $4.5 million. Finance Director William Rouse anticipates a reduction in city income tax revenue because of a possible recession next year with some of that offset by an increase in local government revenues, improved interest rates on investments and debt reduction. Increased expenses include higher health insurance premiums and a one-year 6% raise for employees to help make up for inflation. About $674,000 is budgeted for capital projects for 2023, including amphitheater improvement, a park shed and seating, computers, a new police cruiser, a salt shed, and chipping and sealing or asphalting roads.

In the budget’s enterprise funds, anticipated water, sewer, and storm water revenues total about $2.1 million with a carryover from 2022 of nearly $2.2 million. Expenses are estimated at $2.2 million. About $318,000 has been set aside for capital projects in 2023 and include a new water well, replacement of a lift station generator, downtown curbs, catch basins, and storm sewer maintenance. Also in the budget is a proposed increase of 6.5% increase for water and sewer customers and raising both water tap-in and sewer tap-in fees by $1,000 to $4,200 and $3,000, respectively. Council will hold up to three readings on the budget before voting on it.

OTHER ACTION:

  • Agreed to prepare legislation to allow hunting on city-owned property. A current city ordinance does not allow hunting within city limits unless it is on a privately owned property of at least five acres located in a rural residential zone and only with a bow and arrow or crossbow. The city owns 80 acres of land along Warwick Drive NW. The city has issued a permit in the past to hunt on that land, but will no longer do so unless city council passes an ordinance. Council will hold up to three readings on the ordinance before voting on it.

  • Heard that the remaining debt of about $879,000 incurred to build the Schalmo Family YMCA will be paid off by the Board of Trustees of the YMCA of Central Stark County, leaving the Canal Fulton facility debt-free to continue serving its 8,277 members by providing activities and programs for youth, adults, and families.

  • Approved a resolution for council to enter into individual contracts for property owners to borrow money to improve properties in the historic district. In related business, set aside $21,000 to fund the improvement projects.

  • Adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel. Upon reconvening, council agreed to give firefighters a 6% raise as well as an additional $5-per-hour weekend shift differential.

UP NEXT: Will meet at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Safety Center. The meeting will begin with a work session. Work sessions and council meetings may be viewed in real time on the city’s website.

—Joan Porter

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canal Fulton City Council hears presentation on 2023 budget