Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

Last week the Hartselle City Council approved special event permits for two different events. The first was for the 7th annual Hartselle Area Veterans Parade. The parade will take place on Railroad, Main and Corsbie streets. The event will be Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. Hartselle Lions Club is teaming with the City of Hartselle to put on the parade, which will feature three local high school bands.

The other event was for the USM Fall Kickoff, which took place at the First United Methodist Church of Hartselle on Aug. 13.

The council approved a budget transfer of $6,000 from line item 201-5316 (Utilities) and $1,800 from line item 201-5306 (Gas and Oil) to 201-5317 (Vehicle Maintenance) and $1,200 from 201-5306 (Gas and Oil) to 201-508 (Supplies).

The council approved an alcohol license for Dolgencorp LLC, Dollar General Store #14448, which is located on 1505 Main Street E. Hartselle, AL 35640. The license applied for is for retail beer and retail table wine both off premises only.

A work session was held before the council meeting, in which Mayor Randy Garrison went over the City of Hartselle FYE 2018 General Fund Budget Summary. 

Revenue

Projected Revenue budgeted up 2% over FYE 2017 budget year (will be adjusted as July numbers and August numbers are available)

Projected Sales Tax numbers budgeted 4.0% over FYE 2017 budget numbers. Currently 2.84% above budgeted numbers. Last three months average is 5.61% above budgeted numbers.

Projected Rental, Gasoline, and Business License slightly higher, other revenues left basically flat.

TVA funds are still expected to drop again, this amount may be adjusted as August and September numbers are available.

Expenses

Utlities, Gas and Oil were lowered in some departments; most expenses were maintained at FYE 2017 levels. Ground Maintenance was increased in some departments as well as repairs.

Non-Profits were level funded except for NARCOG transit which was increased by $3,500

Payroll

Proposed in draft a 1.5% COLA increase and fund Merit increases for FYE 2018 as shown in budgeted emailed today which would be an increase of $91,897.17. However, funding a 2% COLA increase would only result in an additional cost of $27,198.59

Health increase premium cost estimated at 5%. Employee deduction for single coverage employees will increase from $20.00 to $40.00 per month; however the employee can lower that amount to $30 by receiving a $10 per month discount for participating in the wellness screening once per year. Exact rates should be available by the end of August.

City of Hartselle will continue to pay ½ of dependent coverage.

Capital Expenses

Approximately $455,000 is available to be used for capital needs from the FYE 2018 budget. Total capital needs will be addressed at a later time.

Approximately $416,000 can be budgeted for capital needs from the State Capital Improvement Fund for grant matches, building repairs and maintenance.

Capital needs requested for the fiscal year total 3.7 million.