Emporia City Commissioners received their final look at the proposed 2021 budget during their recent study session Wednesday.
The estimated budget total comes out to $44 million, however, some adjustments are expected before approval of final publication, possibly by next Wednesday. The budget is relatively unchanged from 2020, minus a few movements due to COVID-19.
There will be no utility rate increases this year for water, sewer or solid waste according to City Treasurer Janet Harrouff. Originally the city was anticipating a slight increase in each fund, under three percent according to Harouff, before the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans.
Harouff says the city will utilize reserve funds in the bond and interest fund to make bond payments on the water and wastewater treatment plants.
Harrouff says the use of B&I funds will be a “huge” benefit to the city.
Despite no increases this coming year, Harouff says residents can expect to see hikes in each fund over the next four years. An exact percentage for said increases has not yet been determined, however, Harrouff says the city will be aiming to keep it under five percent.
The commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing for the budget next Wednesday at 7 pm.
In other business, city consultant Jim Witt provided another update on SPARK allocations from Lyon County. According to Witt, the city will be receiving $500,000 from the county, a decrease from original expectations.
Witt says allocation numbers fluctuated over the past week after a further review into the most pressing needs for the community.
While some projects have been taken off the previously reviewed list of projects, Witt still recommended the city consider the implementation of air filtration systems to help create a more “COVID free environment.”
Separately, commissioners reviewed the final draft of a Lyon County housing study presented by Charlie Cowell of RDG Planning and Design based in Des Moines, IA. Commissioners also briefly discussed future agenda preparation policies.
The Emporia City Commission will reconvene next Wednesday at 7 pm inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
