Monterey Hears From Departments In First Step Of Budget Preparation

Monterey has begun its budgeting process with the finance committee hearing top budget priorities from city departments Thursday.

Finance Committee Chairman Nathan Walker said all the information gathered will be reviewed in February for guidance on the 2021 budget.

“This is just the beginning stage of the process to where we go through each department,” Walker said. “We will be meeting again and discussing with the board members for what recommendations we can make for each department. Again, I think our city departments are doing a great job.”

Among some of the higher dollar requests were an estimated $155,000 brush truck replacement, and a new ladder truck for the fire department.

“Revenues this year have went better than we have expected,” Walker said. “With pay projections moving forward, it is such a different world now. (…) So, we are basically just taking it month by month.”

The sewer department also gave its top purchase for 2021. Supervisor Tim Hedgecough said an estimated $1,000 camera for viewing inside small taps is needed.

Besides for equipment, Cultural Administrator Rafferty Clearly said he is requesting funding for marketing to improve tourism. Walker said he is in favor of giving about $5,000 to promote the city’s attractions.

Other requests for the Monterey Depot Museum included $500 for farmers market upkeep with yard sale fees going towards the same cause. Clearly said littering has also been an issue in the city and asked for supplies to host cleanup days.

For future ideas, Clearly said he would like to explore bringing back movie in the park events and building a community garden.

Lastly, city hall upgrades to its servers and software could be budgeted. According to Office Manager Ella Dishman, the system costs about $28,500 and will keep all records and payments on one system.

The street department, sewer department, police department and city hall employees also all asked for raises.