Gainesboro’s Slight Revenue Increase To Cover Growing Costs Of Fuel, Chemicals

The biggest change to Gainesboro’s proposed budget is funding for fuel and water treatment chemicals.

Mayor Lloyd Williams said an additional $15,000 included after a Tuesday work session, $8,000 for fuel and $7,000 for the chemicals.

“Got together and looked at our chemicals for the water plant,” Williams said. “They are just going through the roof right now, and we are trying to make adjustments right now. We got the gas and everything going up right now. It’s kind of difficult to work with, but luckily our revenue is up just a little bit.”

Williams said revenue is estimated to come in about five percent over budget. Williams said the new fiscal year budget is balanced with an estimated general fund of $1.7 million.

“I feel very confident in it (the budget),” Williams said.

Williams said the budget does not include employee raises, new positions or a tax increase. Williams said instead of raises, the town will consider bonuses at the end of the calendar year.

“We gave a really good raise last year,” Williams said. “This year there is nothing included. Around Christmas we are going to try to look at bonuses for employees. When you have good employees, you have to do what you can to keep them.”

As for projects, Williams said downtown paving may be on the horizon. Williams said the feasibility will depend on if the money is there after the first quarter of the new budget.

A two percent water rate increase also included. Williams said this has occurred the past four years as recommended by the State Comptroller’s Office. The Board of Aldermen has approved the first reading of the budget.