City Council to hold budget hearing Tuesday
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on May 29, 2016 1:45 AM
The city's $57.7 million budget includes a $3 million, 5.6 percent, increase from the city's current fiscal 2015-16 budget of nearly $54.7 million. The largest portion of the increase is due to the cost of a new $1.2 million aerial fire truck, said Kaye Scott, Goldsboro finance director.
The proposed budget holds the line on property taxes, at 65 cents per $100 in property valuation, and increases fees for water and sewer. No increase in trash collection fees is planned. The city's last property tax increase was in 2005, when the rate increased from 60 to 65 cents per $100 in valuation, Scott said.
The budget includes a new motor vehicle registration tax of $10 each year and a new business registration fee of $20 per year.
A new voluntary water backflow device inspection fee of $20 per year is also proposed for business owners interested in city staff completing the required inspection. Business owners can decide to continue having plumbers complete annual inspections, said Jose Martinez, Goldsboro public works director.
Water and sewer customers could experience an increase in fees, with the budget proposing a 2.5 percent water rate increase and 1 percent sewer rate increase. The increases equal a 5-cent increase for every 750 gallons of water and sewer. An average customer who uses 4,500 gallons per month will see a 60-cent increase per month on a utility bill.
The water and sewer rate increases will support a future expansion of the city water plant and fund sewer line improvements throughout the city. The last time water and sewer fees increased was in 2010, Scott said.
The budget also includes a 1 percent cost-of-living raise for employees, some salary adjustments and a 1 percent average in merit pay increases, which are based on performance and proposed to take effect in January. The pay increases combined are estimated to cost close to $597,000. Four new positions are recommended, a construction inspector, senior park technician and two system integrity technicians, at an estimated cost of $185,355 in salary and benefits. The city's workforce is recommended to increase to 448 employees.
The budget includes the addition of 10 vehicles, including the new fire truck, in several city departments, at a loan cost of $1.8 million. Ten police vehicles, including eight patrol cruisers, are in the budget at a cost of $242,000, Scott said. An estimated $50,000 cost for redesign plans for the Herman Park Center is also in the budget plan.
The city has $16.2 million in fund balance reserves, including the state required 8 percent threshold for local governments. The 8 percent represents $2.6 million in the fund balance account, Scott said.
The council is expected to consider the budget for adoption on June 6. The city's budget goes into effect on July 1.
Tuesday's public hearing will be held in the council chambers at City Hall, 214 N. Center St. The council's work session will be in the annex at 200 N. Center St.