The 2021 budget is now official for the city of Emporia following Wednesday evening’s action session.
Following a brief public hearing, commissioners unanimously voted to approve the 2021 fiscal year budget. The total budget comes out to just over $57 million with a flat mill rate from 2020.
The budget will contain no utility rate increases for 2021 as originally planned. Originally the city was anticipating a slight increase in each fund, under three percent according to City Treasurer Janet Harrouff, before the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans.
Additional COVID related adjustments include a 25 percent reduction in allocations for outside agencies due to a significant drop in the two major funds that generate the dollars for said appropriations.
Commissioners applauded Harrouff for drafting a budget with no mill levy or utility rate increases. Harouff says it was a challenging feat to accomplish.
In other business, commissioners approved the issuance of general obligation bonds in the amount of $775,000. The bonds are for the purchase of a new fire engine for the Emporia Fire Department and a new dump truck for the city Street Department.
According to Emporia Fire Chief Jack Taylor, the new engine should be delivered 10 months following its order.
Separately, the commission also approved waiving the 25 percent cash carryover for the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Emporia Main Street for 2020.
The Emporia City Commission will reconvene for a study session at 10 am next Wednesday inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
