Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

The Hartselle City Council adopted a FY2016 budget at last week’s council meeting.

The vote was unanimous for the budget proposed by then Council President and now Interim Mayor Bill Smelser and Councilman Ken Doss.

The appoved budget includes expected revenue for the general fund to be $10,560,320 with expenses including debt service of $1,106,820.06, payroll of $6,601,485.82, operating budget expenses of $2,639,588.88, grant matches of $25,000 and capital expenditures of $174,500. The budget also allows for $12,925.24 revenue over expenses.

Included for 2016 will have merit raises included that were taken out two years ago and will include a 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment for city employees. A one-time Christmas bonus was not included in the budget proposal.

In other business the council approved:

•Renewal agreement with E911 for Fire Department Dispatch

• Authorized a change of supplemental insurance carriers to Assurant

• Approved a Community Service Grant Agreement for the Farmer’s Market sign

• Approved a request to fill a vacancy for a Public Works Equipment Operator

• Approved request to fill a vacancy for a dispatcher in the police department

•Approved a budget transfer from public works to purchase two lawn mowers and maintenance equipment

• Authorized the city attorney to amend the personnel policy eliminating stand-by pay and amending call-out pay for city employees.