In a split vote, the New Brockton town council approved a revised $1.7 million budget during its Oct. 2 meeting.
Council members Jack Young and Doug Pittman cast the opposing votes.
The previously proposed budget from Mayor Lenwood Herron was reduced by $31,000 after councilmember Jeff White requested that the “in-kind labor” fund of $75,000 be removed. The other $44,000 was dispersed into other accounts, with the majority going into intergovernmental funds, or expected grant monies.
The shift in funds increased the expected grant money from $561,381 to $605,381.
The majority of revenues in the budget are expected grant monies and a $595,000 grant for the sewer lagoon upgrade.
Without the grant funds the budget, $522,136 in revenues remains, which is an increase of $91,020 from last year’s budget of $431,116.
According to Alabama law, a municipality is required to have 10 percent in reserve funds. The approved budget has a projected 10.1 percent in reserve funds.
Herron said the approved 2010 budget does not include any tax or fee increases.
Pittman questioned the source of an account named “other,” because budget has $11,400 in “other” funds. Herron said it is normal when preparing a budget to have an “other” budget account set aside for unexpected expenditures.
“It looks like it’s going to work out,” said councilmember Lee Etta Edwards.
Councilmember Billy Brantley said the budget is just a guideline, which has been discussed several times and should be sufficient.
“It doesn’t make any sense to me,” said Young sharing his concern that the town’s monthly income is not reflected in the proposed budget.
Pittman expressed his displeasure with not being consulted in the budget’s preparation, saying that it is his duty as an elected official to make sure the citizens tax dollars are being spent correctly.
The meeting ended with finger pointing and accusations.
Herron said Pittman has done nothing but “badmouthing and backstabbing” since Pittman was elected to the council.
Brantley agreed with Herron saying Pittman has done nothing but make accusations against the mayor and the mishandling of town funds with no proof.
“Your comments reflect badly on the town,” said Brantley, adding that Pittman owes everyone an apology.
Pittman said he would, “not sit here and let you (Brantley) call me a liar.”
When councilmember Young came to Pittman’s defense, Herron said Young should make sure his record is clean before making accusations.
In order to be a member of the New Brockton council, a councilmember must live within the town’s limits.
Herron accused Young of not living in New Brockton, but merely having an address in New Brockton on McKinnon Street with the help of Pittman.
In other council news, the town’s Christmas parade is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. Residents interested in participating in the parade, should call Barbara Herron at 894-6211.
The next town council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in the town hall.
©Southeast Sun 2009
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