Council OKs budget with few alterations

NORTH AUGUSTA -- A 20 percent cut in state revenues and a slow economy will keep North Augusta's budget looking like much of the same in 2010.

City council reviewed the 2010 budget and passed it unanimously on first reading Monday. The $12,640,528 general budget, which is down $331,826 from 2009, does not include raising fees for residents as it did in 2009. City Administrator Sam Bennett said the rates residents are paying in 2009 will be the same for 2010.

"The national, state and local economy has suffered, and the city of North Augusta certainly has not been immune to that," Mr. Bennett said at a study session meeting Oct. 12. "This budget reflects today's reality."

The last tax increase was passed in 2008, the only one in the past 18 years, said John Potter, the city's finance director.

Mr. Bennett said that by not installing the raises they were able to avoid layoffs or furloughs.

In 2009, the city budgeted six new employees, but the 2010 budget calls for only one new employee, for public safety, to be paid for with a grant.

Council members also approved a few changes, including giving sanitation an unused truck from public safety instead of the city purchasing an additional vehicle.

A second reading of the budget will be held at the municipal building Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

Staff Writer Crystal Garcia contributed to this story.

Reach Julia Sellers at (706) 823-3424 or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com

2010 proposed budget

Source: City of North Augusta