Capital Budget Vote Delayed Until September

Mayor Jordan Glatt and city council decided to delay a vote on the 2009-2014 capital improvement plan on August 4.

Many of the council members, including the mayor, expressed concerned over the $5 million suggested proposal for 2009 alone. City Administrator Chris Cotter has been asked by council to come back with three scenarios for '09: a $3.25 million, $3.5 million, and a $3.75 million budget plan. The council wanted to see at each price point which proposed projects could be completed and which would have to be put on hold.

"A taxpayer would always rather spend a dollar later than a dollar now," said one council member.

The Capital Improvement Plan includes proposals for projects ranging from new equipment for the police and fire departments, $75,000 in improvements to the Vanderpoel Pond at the Municipal Golf Course to remedy drainage concerns, and a new heating system at the library to replace its current circa-1962 system.

The council will hear the new three-scenario option at the next meeting scheduled for September 9.