Roanoke Rapids City Council began budget deliberations today on a financial plan which proposes no tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year.

Under the proposed plan the tax rate would remain 62.4 cents per $100 of valuation.

The proposed budget also calls for a 3 percent increase for all employees except sworn police officers, who recently received an increase. Administrative personnel in the police department would receive the raise, if approved.

The solid waste user fee of $188.59 also remains the same, according to the plan.

City Manager Paul Sabiston explained to council the proposed budget has not been balanced on the expense side. “This is a starting point but with department heads giving presentations I think it’s important you hear from department heads, why they need it and what they’re asking for. It’s effective because you’ve heard (at the end of the process) pretty good arguments about the budget.”

Sabiston said council will have to approve the budget. “All I can do is take input and try to make as many people happy as I can. There’s not enough money to go around for what we need.”

Revenue categories such as beer and wine, sales tax and ABC profits are expected to increase, Finance Director MeLinda Hite said. Cable franchise fees went down and Powell Bill funds decreased.

Figures for the Roanoke Rapids Theatre could change as the city continues to discuss changes in Lafayette Gatling’s payment to the city. “This could be subject to change depending on the outcome of the agreement,” Sabiston noted.

Another thing that could change for city employees will be health insurance. “Health insurance is going to be interesting,” Sabiston said.

One provider is aggressively courting the city, which is waiting for a loss report for the current year to show the company. “We’re getting a couple of different carriers to provide us with quotes.”

Sabiston told council he would also like to restore the receptionist position. “Basically that’s the person sitting at the desk at the top of the stairs (of city hall). As a professional organization we struggle a lot with the phones. It’s tough on staff. Professionally, someone coming to an empty desk, I think the professional image needs to be restored. There’s plenty of work the person can assist with.”

The budget deliberations continue next Thursday at 3 p.m. in the first floor conference room of city hall when council hears presentations from the police and fire departments.