Published: January 13, 2009 10:21 pm      

Varnell approves decreased budget

VARNELL — The City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday to approve a $782,547 budget for 2009. City manager Mark Gibson says that will be a slight decrease from 2008.

Unaudited expenditures for the city through Nov. 30, 2008, were $761,718, according to Gibson.

The police department remains the largest line item in the budget, with $275,890 in projected 2009 spending, followed by administration, with $237,100 in budgeted spending.

Gibson says officials drafted a conservative budget because of concerns about the economy and revenue. Most departments will hold spending at or near their 2008 levels, he said.

But the municipal court budget will be cut by about $48,000 to $62,200. Gibson says that cut reflects the loss of one position, chief probation officer.

Council member Mark Fidler said the council could revisit the budget if revenue or other circumstances warrant it.

The council also voted 5-0 to:

• Approve requests from homeowners at 109 Abilene Trail and 3551-3 Cleveland Road to be annexed into the city.

• Renew four alcoholic beverage licenses.

• Amend the flood damage control and flood plain management ordinance to include the date.

• Approve a dangerous structures ordinance giving the city court the power to address dangerous buildings.

In a work session, council member David Owens presented the council with options to purchase a new garbage truck.