Roanoke Rapids has a budget.
City council this afternoon unanimously approved a $14,910,583 financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
In a memo to council, City Manager Paul Sabiston said the general fund operating budget totals $13,683,273 and capital outlay totals $1,227,310.
“As directed by city council, the fitness center and the sale of monuments have been removed from the budget,” the memo said. “Funding has been provided for the code enforcement position in the planning department.”
Sabiston noted the savings from health workers compensation and property and liability insurance helped the city balance the budget without an appropriation to fund balance.
In the memo, Sabiston thanked council for its support and dedication during the budget process. “Staff looks forward to a positive year end close and the beginning of a new fiscal year which addresses the concerns and needs of the citizens and the employees.”
In making her motion to approve the budget, Suetta Scarbrough thanked Sabiston, the finance department and department heads for their work during the six week budget process. “You’ve done an exemplary job.”
Councilman Carl Ferebee said while he still has concerns with a budget planned during a tough year, “I think we need to move on.”
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.
Meanwhile this afternoon council approved a request by Sabiston to take 15 full time employees who were working 37.5 hours a week and put them back on 40 hour a week schedules.
Four are from parks and recreation, two from public works, four from administration and finance, one from the police department and four from planning.
