The message addresses the problems faced in preparing the budget, which include the economy, the Roanoke Rapids Theatre and budget cuts made for the current fiscal year.

“Currently, the city is understaffed and services are underfunded which has affected the level of service that our citizens are accustomed (to),” the message by City Manager Paul Sabiston says. “Because of the severe budget cuts made in fiscal year (2009/2010) this budget cannot properly address all of the city’s property maintenance issues or adequately restore our prior level of service.”

Sabiston continues, “We have attempted to address these fundamental concepts and partial recovery of staff and services as we prepared this proposed budget for your consideration.”

The city manager notes the affect the theater issue has had on the upcoming $15,348,333 budget. “The failure by L&M Hospitality to make its scheduled payments is a great budget shortfall for the city in both the current fiscal year and FY 10/11.”

As of June 30, the balance in the theater reserve will be $826,702.04. Included in the proposed budget is an appropriation of $561,986 from that fund to be used to replace the projected revenue shortfall.

“This will leave a balance of $264,716.04 in the theatre reserve to be used as needed in the future,” Sabiston notes. “As we move forward in the second half of 2010, we envision the development and reputation of the Roanoke Rapids Theatre to be a vibrant and vital entertainment venue.”

The message says the proposed budget includes a $200,000 appropriation from the fund balance.

Two new revenue sources are included in the proposed budget: $25,000 from monument sales and $22,600 from the fitness center.

The budget includes a full time city receptionist, an administrative assistant for the planning department, a part time supervisor for the inmate program, a full time equipment mechanic, a full time street maintenance worker, full time sanitation worker, part time library assistant and part time employees for the recreation department.

Other budget highlights include:

• A 3 percent salary increase for all employees except sworn police officers.

• 15 patrol vehicles, one animal control vehicle, five in car cameras and 12 mobile radios proposed to be funded with USDA grants and installment financing.

• Swivel replacement for the ladder truck.

• Address Rosemary Street flooding and paving, improving maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalk maintenance and resurfacing.

• Starting a new fitness center but only after raising $15,000 in pre-sold memberships or sponsorships.

Sabiston closes the message saying, “While it does not fund all of our departmental needs, it does begin to address city council’s major goals and priorities for the coming year without requiring an increase in the city’s property tax rate or solid waste and refuse user fees.

“As always, we will continue to seek new ways to minimize our costs and improve efficiencies through technology, public-private partnerships and new or revised work processes.”

Thanking the staff, especially Finance Director MeLinda Hite, Sabiston says, “Despite the immediate funding challenges we are facing, I am confident that growth and prosperity remain on the city’s horizon. City staff is eager to work with you to meet the changing needs of our citizens. As we move forward, we must all remain committed to providing affordable, quality services with the city of Roanoke Rapids.”