Needed: $500,000 for 2009

At the last regular council meeting on December 3rd, town officials had a very compelling discussion of Ruston’s 2009 budget. Mayor Hopkins first week in office had him revise the budget down to the bare minimum. Even with deep cuts, Ruston’s 2009 projected revenue is $573,555 with expenses of $1,013,0789, about a $500,000 deficit.

In the mayor’s words, “We are struggling for answers to make sure that Ruston is viable moving forward (fiscally) and at the burn rate we have, I’ve calculated 5 years – at the very best we have 5 years.” He acknowledged that he and the council are facing some very tough decisions and need input from everyone.

The discussion was far ranging. Here is what I found interesting:

The mayor had not met with the town clerk yet. He wanted to hire an accountant to help him understand the budget as presented and suggest other ways the town might balance expenses and revenues; which Council Member Stebner supported. MRSC may be able to help as well.

The town attorney advised that the previous direction of the council prohibiting using the surplus property fund was only a “suggestion” and those funds could be used to balance the budget. No one wanted to do so, but agreed there is no choice.

Council Member Hunt presented a list of utility taxes that she suggested be imposed or raised on electricity, garbage, natural gas, cable TV, storm drains, telephone and sewer. She suggested a rate of 8% to 10% for each of these (about double or more of the current rate). She felt it was something that has to be done to survive. I’ve requested a copy of the specific proposal.

Hopkins proposed budget eliminates the full time police officer position and removed all police overtime. This is not realistic, but a place to start. Council Member Hedrick noted that 70% of the budget is salaries. If the town cuts the budget, that means they cut into employees. He felt Ruston could not tax and/or cut its way to a balanced budget, but the council could narrow the gap. Hopkins was to bring a new budget back to the council at their meeting last Monday, December 8th.

Feel free to send your ideas to Ruston’s elected officials (emails listed to the left on this page) or post a comment here. I’ll be sure and pass them along.

These are tough times for so many people. This struggle is not new to Ruston, although none of our current leaders even lived in town when the smelter shut down in 1985. Those were lean years, too. If we pull together, I know from experience we can survive and emerge from this challenge a better community.

Karen