“We’re kind of back to where we were before the theater,” he said. “Personally, I think it’s too low. I think we can get it back to 40 percent. Historically, we’re above where we were 10 years ago.”
While the fund balance is up over 2001 figures, the city’s personnel rolls are not bloated, the city manager said. “We haven’t got any smaller and things haven’t got any easier. It may have to get tighter.”
To maintain in what is predicted to be a tight year, Sabiston suggests no capital expenditures. “When we remove capital expenditures we get to be in pretty good shape.”
The problem is, Sabiston said, capital expenditures catch up with you. “Sanitation trucks get beat up every day out there. We have some leverage we can get by with.”
The $1.7 million for the theater debt is already included in early budget preparations. “That money won’t be there forever. We will be out of the reserve next budget year.”
That’s one of the reasons the city is having discussions with its bond counsel and Bank of America to refinance the theater debt, Finance Director MeLinda Hite said.
Councilman Greg Lawson brought up the proposal the city is considering on a 1 cent sales tax increase referendum. “I don’t think we ought to bank on a sales tax not knowing how the voters will take this.”
The city put has already put its current sales tax up for collateral on the venue.
During the retreat department heads discussed their needs.
Police Chief Jeff Hinton, who retires in March, said the department, which just had 13 cars new cars approved, leaves with the department in good shape.
“I would like to say we’ve got a good police department,” the chief said. “We’ve got a lot of competent officers who have done an excellent job. I’m very proud of all our officers.”
Hinton said the police department will be in good hands when he leaves. “We’ve got people in place who can handle things.”
While the fire department needs to begin considering replacing a pumper truck, Chief Gary Corbet said that will have to be a long term plan given the current financial situation.
Public Works Director Richard Parnell said his department wants to do the final resurfacing of Old Farm Road, from Mac Allen Circle to Becker Drive.
He said the department needs to replace a rear end loader, trashcans, rubber tire loader and a street sweeper.
Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said there is still some $75,000 worth of field improvements to do and outdated vehicles need to be replaced.
Another goal is the Hodgestown Day Care Center, which the city leases for $4,800 a year. No recreation department employees are at the center. “It is facing major maintenance issues right now. I’m not making any recommendations but we have to address that building in the very new future.”
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