Published: May 16, 2008 12:03 pm         

3 percent raise approved for city workers

A lengthy meeting of the Morehead City Council Monday night led to the approval of first readings for several annual budgets.

An ordinance adopting the budget for the city of Morehead, once passed, will appropriate funds for the operation of the city government.

Some changes included in the budget proposal included an overall 3 percent cost-of-living raise to all employees, which is lower than the Consumer Price Index for last year of 4.08 percent. An increase in spending of $28,639 is proposed in the Administrative and Finance department with adjustments going up and down in different areas.

The Police Department has had some changes in positions, which reflects the changes in responsibility. Chief Adams has requested three new cruisers and in total the department’s budget request is $9,572 less than last year.

The Public Works department is requesting an increase of $32,000 to cover fuel expenses, but their total budget request is $13,686 less than last year’s. Like all departments within the city, public works is being asked to conserve gas whenever possible.

The Fire Department is requesting a $33,921 increase and a new engine. In his letter addressing the council, Mayor David Perkins said the department has been “the red-headed stepchild” for some time and is in the process of upgrading neglected equipment.

A request for an $8,333 increase came from the Recreation Department, which will take on an additional youth football program given up by private sponsors.

Energy costs and table and chair replacement have the Community Center proposing a $5,182 increase.

The capital outlay requests total $574,500, which is down more than $90,000 from the current fiscal year. The bulk of the requests cover new technology and new vehicles.

The first reading of the proposal was unanimously approved.

The Utility Plant Board requested an increase of $116,348. Sewer rehabilitation and relocation projects are the bulk of the request. The board is also proposing to buy some new equipment to alleviate renting costs. After the proposed pay raise was amended, the council approved the first reading.

Based on the projected cash flow report, the Tourism Commission proposed a $95,000 budget, $20,000 of which will be dedicated to the Morehead Conference Center. The council had some concerns about marketing costs going down, but the reading was approved.

A first reading amending Morehead’s city budget for the current 2007-2008 fiscal year was also approved. Several grants and donations allowed for adjustments to be made in other areas within the budget. The total estimated revenue increased by $42,728.

The total Administrative and Finance budget increased by $5,800 while the Police Department’s operating costs went up $11,398. The Public Works Department saw a $20,500 increase. The Fire Department budget decreased by $8,650. Recreation increased by $1,931. The capital budget for all departments within the city increased $4,202. Taking the estimated revenue increase into account, the City’s profit will stand at $11,749 at the end of the fiscal year.