Welcome to our new web site!

To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.

During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.

Huntingdon Approves 2019-20 Budget with Unchanged Tax Rate

Posted

HUNTINGDON (June 25) — The Huntingdon Town Council met Tuesday with several items on the agenda, including budgetary matters and an annual adjustment of water/sewer rates. The board approved the first of two readings on the 2019-20 budget and finalized with a second reading routine year-end amendments to the 2018-19 budget. Also approved was an automatic adjustment of water and sewer rates to reflect the cost of living.
Prior to a vote, Mayor Dale Kelley delivered comments on the new budget, saying, “As mayor and town council, it is our goal through Fiscal Year 2020 to continue building infrastructure and laying the groundwork to secure the needs of future generations.” He laid out ongoing grant projects, including culverts on Mebanewood Drive, sidewalks along Clark Street beside the middle school and from Sixth Avenue to East Paris Street, Phase II of the Kelley Sports Complex addition and facade improvements to downtown district buildings. Utility Fund projects include replacement of pumping stations at Williams Street, Highway 22 Bypass and Buena Vista Road and a sewer line extension and lagoon renovation.
The budget includes capital purchases of a larger rescue unit for the fire department and motor vehicle and equipment purchases from the Drug Fund.
Town employees will receive an annual raise and continuation of health coverage and other benefits.
Mayor Kelley said, “We continue to provide our high standard of service for public safety, public works, recreation and cultural activities and economic growth for our community.”
The tax rate will remain unchanged at $1.34 per $100 assessment.
The 2019-20 General Fund estimates revenues at $4,882,850 and expenses and transfers out at $5,011,600. A grant match of $81,750 paid from note made in the prior fiscal year makes revenues $8,000 over expenses.
The Drug Control Fund expects revenues of $5,050 and expenses of $48,500. The deficit of $43,450 will be funded from prior year reserves.

The Solid Waste Collection Fund estimates balanced revenues and expenses at $265,000.
The DCPA Special Project Fund expects $529,100 in revenues (plus a transfer in from the General Fund of $278,000) and $805,300 in expenses for a surplus of $1,800.
The Utility Fund estimates revenues at $3,199,100 and expenses and transfers out at $2,658,000. After a bonded debt payment of $120,300, a balance of $420,800 will remain.
Board members voted unanimously to approve the new budget on the first of two readings and also approved a resolution to adopt a continuing appropriation until a second and final reading on the budget next month.
A public hearing was held on 2018-19 year-end budget amendments but yielded no input from citizens. The amendments were finalized with unanimous approval on second reading.
The final action by the council was to approve an ordinance amending water and sewer rates. New water rates for customers inside corporate limits include monthly minimum usage rates based on meter size: 5/8” meter – $13.05; 1” – $34.71; 1 1/2” – $69.40; 2” – $111.05; 3” – $485.85; 4” – $1,388.13. The volume usage rate is $3.94 per 1,000 gallons. Minimum monthly water rates for customers outside corporate limits with a 5/8” meter are $17.17, and the volume usage rate is $5.47 per 1,000 gallons.
New sewer rates for customers inside corporate limits include monthly minimum usage rates based on meter size: 5/8” meter – $13.04; 1” – $32.61; 1 1/2” – $65.22; 2” – $104.35; 3” – $456.50; 4” – $1,304.28. The volume usage rate is $6.18 per 1,000 gallons. Minimum monthly water rates for customers outside corporate limits with a 5/8” meter are $16.30, and the volume usage rate is $7.65 per 1,000 gallons.
The meeting adjourned after nine minutes. Councilmen Charles Hodges and Andrew Maddox were absent.

Huntingdon, Budget, Tax Rate, Tax, 2019-20, 2019, 2020