CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

BUDGET HEARING APRIL 19TH, 2005

The Carthage City Council met April 19, 2005, at City Hall, 308 Walnut Street for the purpose of reviewing the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2005-2006. Mayor Nightingale called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Answering to roll call were Aldermen Duffy, Smith, Neally, Fleming, Sealock and Walker. Treasurer Lunt and City Attorney Glidden were absent.

Motion was made by Alderman Duffy and seconded by Walker to schedule the City wide Clean Up for the first two weekends in June (the 4^th and 11^th.) All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

There was much discussion on the various line items and the overall status of the General Fund with the large expenses anticipated with the landfill project.

Motion was made by Alderman Fleming, seconded by Neally to increase line item 20-495 to $18,800.00 to accommodate a purchase of a mower/tractor (equipment purchase in the Water Operation & Maintenance Fund). All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

Discussion ensued regarding payment of anticipated street repair costs. It was decided the $25,000.00 should be paid from the Capital Improvement Fund instead of the General Fund.

Two potential water projects were discussed at an anticipated cost of $76,000.00. These projects will be paid out of the Water Operation & Maintenance Fund.

The emergency Sewer project on 1^st and Wabash will be paid out of the Capital Improvement Fund at an anticipated cost of $35,000.00.

The Street project of Adams, Madison & Walnut expense of $200,000.00 will be paid out of the approved Motor Fuel Tax Fund.

Any water meter purchases will be paid out of the Water Meter Fund instead of the Water Operation & Maintenance Fund.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Duffy to eliminate the usual $3000.00 contribution to the Park Board from the General Fund, line item 50-489. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

Discussion ensued on the possibility of raising Water & Sewer rates, as well as the penalty for late payments. There has not been an increase in rates since 2002. City Clerk Graham had investigated neighboring community rates and Carthage is the lowest in the region. This will be further discussed at the next regular Council meeting.

Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Fleming to adjourn at

9:10 PM.

Katherine Graham

City Clerk