Fort Payne City Council Sets Budget
By Sherri Blevins
The City of Fort Payne now has an operating budget of approximately $27,000,000.00 for this fiscal year. On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, the budget was approved during the Fort Payne City Council meeting, which was held virtually. Phillip Smith voted no on the budget because it did not address the fire department’s needs, and he felt that the City was spending more money than it was collecting.
Because the City started the fiscal year with a $926,000.00 deficit, the newly elected City Council has conducted several work sessions to find ways to balance the budget. Their efforts have resulted in a final budget containing a $39,464.00 surplus. To achieve that budget, the Council had to make several budget cuts affecting different departments, however, employees were given a step raise to combat living expenses.
The Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance requiring City sewer rates to increase 3% yearly. If approved, this increase would bring the City’s rate more in line with the DeKalb County rate and provide a way to maintain the City’s current services to its residents. Individuals should see an increase of approximately $1.07 on their monthly bill, while businesses may see a $2.40 monthly rise.
The DeKalb Theatre and the Coal and Iron Building were two items the Council addressed. The DeKalb Theatre will be closed for one year, and repairs will be made. Businesses may still rent advertising space on the Theatre’s marquee. The Coal and Iron Building will no longer be opened daily. Instead, people may rent the building for special events. Three employees lost their jobs due to cuts, with one being Special Events and Venues Manager, Maurey Roberts. Four other employees were transferred to other departments.
During the meeting, the Council also authorized the demolition of the hospital using the TARCOG grant. The $430,000.00 grant is an 80/20% matching grant requiring the City to fund its portion. This amount is presently not in the budget.
Council members approved getting an appraisal for the sale of the DeSoto Golf Course. The City intends to sell the property, but it will work with those who have an event scheduled to find alternate locations.
The Council appointed John T. Davis and Kenneth Larson to the Fort Payne Improvement Authority and Terry Camp to the Fort Payne Water Board. Earlier in the month, the Council interviewed interested candidates for the board appointments. During the meeting, Council members discussed the idea of limiting the board appointees to two consecutive terms, but they could not agree. They agreed to discuss the issue at a later time.
The next Fort Payne City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Fort Payne City Council Sets Budget