Funds could pay for other projects
Staff writer
Peabody City Council discussed Monday, seven funds for the 2014 budget: utilities, law and fire, highways, parks and recreation, economic development, transfer funds, and capital improvement.
Administrator Shane Marler said the final payment on the public works and police department building was made in April. He suggested the $19,000 budgeted for the next payment on the building be put into capital improvement.
“You have had some issues come up in the past few years that could be addressed with this money,” he told the council. “There was discussion after the 2005 ice storm about getting a generator for use at a command station if there is another serious weather situation. The Butler house at Second and Sycamore needs to be razed. There is an issue with the age and dependability of our tornado/fire sirens that should be addressed. The server at city hall is limping along and will need to be replaced.
“The $19,000 is not enough to cover all those needs, but it will address some,” he said.
Council members discussed the items on the list and instructed Marler to get cost estimates before the next budget meeting Monday.
“We need to prioritize the list and then see what the transfer amount will cover and what it won’t,” council member Tom Schmidt said.
After reviewing changes in the other funds between the 2013 and 2014 budget, Marler said expenses for the funds would be $1,200 less.
The council will propose a final budget and authorize a budget hearing notice at 6 p.m., prior to the regular city council meeting Monday. For more information, contact Marler at (620) 983-2174.