Livingston Ready To Pass Budget Friday, Small Tax Hike

The public can sound off Friday as Livingston Aldermen consider the second reading of this year’s budget which includes employee raises and a nine-cent property tax increase.

Mayor Curtis Hayes said budgeting this year has been tight. He said after conducting a pay study two years ago, employee compensation has become a greater focus.

“You’ve got seasoned employees, veteran employees that have a certain skill set,” Hayes said. “And they need to be compensated for that. You’ve also got young employees that have some experience, have the know-how, have some education.”

Hayes said property tax raises are not typically popular, but it is sometimes a necessary evil. He said this increase should bring in some $87,000 for the general fund, public safety, and parks.

“We’re just very fortunate here in Livingston,” Hayes said. “You know, our mom-and-pop stores are doing really good. Our downtown is just booming, you know? But, obviously, as a City Manager in Livingston, you can never have enough. The more you can get, not being greedy, but the more you can get, the more you can put back in the community.”

He said the biggest ticket the city will pay this year will be a $125,000 gas facility renovation in the Gas Department. He said a few new police cars, a new firefighter, and a few new police officers through a grant match program are on the bill as well.

“Preparing the budget is most of the work and then the board looking at it and reviewing and passing it on the first reading,” Hayes said. “There’s not been any changes since then.”

He said no one enjoys meeting on a Friday, but by law, the budget needs to be passed by July 1. He said the public will have a chance to attend and share concerns.