2009 Budget Approved

The council is required to approve a 2009 town budget before the end of the month. It came down to the wire this year, but a budget was approved last night. There was a lengthy discussion around the salary ordinance, and the budget may need to be amended in the new year. The meeting materials (including the budget that was approved) are available by clicking here. Council Member Hedrick kindly offered this summary of the meeting last night:

Ordinance 1277 was adopted without amendment last night. We have a Town budget for 2009.

The debate centers around Ordinance 1276, NOT adopted by the Council, which would provide a salary schedule for all Town employees which is already in the budget ordinance (1277). One, it is not clear to anyone why a stand alone ordinance has to be adopted. It has been established as a standard practice here in Ruston but not clear to anyone, including the Town attorney, as to why. Second, it is not clear the salary amounts in Ordinance 1276 comport with the salary schedule adopted in Ordinance 1267. Ordinance 1267 was previously adopted by the Council whereby an enhanced salary schedule, including performance pay increase, was established for the Ruston Police Department. We, the Council, agreed to review whether or not there is sufficient funding in both Ordinance 1277 and 1276 to cover the costs of the PD's new salary schedule. So yes, we may amend the budget, if necessary, to appropriate those additional funds. That will not occur until our meeting on January 5.

In other news, further action on Ordinance 1275 was also postponed until January 5. 1275 is the conditional use development permit for the Silver Cloud Hotel. The Town Planner was not present last night and Council members continue to have questions. It was agreed to hold a Study Session re: the conditional use permit on January 5, prior to the regular council meeting.

That's what I saw happen last night.

Jim.

In attendance: Lynnette Hopkins, Jim Wingard, Al Olsen, Sharon Reese, Gary Pederson