The Fulton City Council held a meeting Monday evening where it discussed the city budget for 2023.
Prior to the regular session at 7 p.m., a private work session took place. According to the council agenda, budget discussion began here. An evergreen solutions presentation was also given.
This was the first reading of Bill 1660, which would establish the official budget for Fulton. This would begin on Jan. 1, 2023, and end Dec. 31, 2023. This bill would also adopt the capital improvement program for next year, as well as appropriating the city funds.
The city council discussed the proposed budget for more than half an hour.
In the proposed budget, some departments have been moved around. The animal shelter is now included under the Fulton Police Department and the grant analyst is under administration, among other mergers.
Under the proposed streets budget, current projects that are underway must be finished. These projects include Second Street and the Second Street bridge. If funds are leftover from these projects, they will be included in the 2023 budget.
The proposed budget currently projects a loss of revenue in the gas department.
There will be $100,000 in the budget from the American Rescue Plan, with $75,000 to go toward solid waste, and $25,000 will go toward the garage.
Second reading of the bill will take place at the next city council meeting, along with further discussion. The city council will also further review the proposed budget prior to the meeting.
In other business, the council approved a letter of support for SERVE. This letter of support is to assist serve in applying for funding. SERVE is in the process of reloacting its current offices. The City Council approved the request unanimously.
The next Fulton City Council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22.