The Shadow
Members of Covington City Council Tuesday night asked to meet with city department heads May 18 in order to hammer out budget items.
Council is asking the department leaders to submit ideas that cut an additional three percent from their proposed budget.
“If they had to cut three percent, what impact would that have,” Councilman B.B. Bryant said.
Department heads will meet with council in a budget work session Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
While asking for additional cuts, Councilman Bill Zimmerman said, “I’m really sympathetic to the department heads.”
Zimmerman also asked if county residents could pay for fire and rescue services in their jurisdiction.
“The fire and rescue calls in the county are not being paid in an equitable way,” Zimmerman said and added that the city should bill for calls in a similar fashion as Clifton Forge and Dunlap.
Covington City Manager John Doane said it is not unusual for a locality to bill for calls outside of their corporate limits.
“I would like to know if we made a change, how much money that would bring in,” Zimmerman added.
Echoing Zimmerman’s sentiments, Vice Mayor Rob Bennett said, “That’s a good idea.”
Covington City Attorney Elizabeth Dillon said the city needs to devise a method for billing for calls, whether done by city staff or an outside agency.
Bryant also wanted to know the fiscal ramifications of eliminating overtime for city employees.
Also, he suggested furlough days for employees.
“How much would a furlough day cost?,” Bryant inquired.
In other action, city council held a public hearing to solicit nominations for the Covington School Board. Current chairman Danny Warlitner asked to serve again. Eddy Clemons also threw his hat in the ring to serve on one of the two vacant seats on the school board.
Cindy Bryant is not seeking re-appointment.
In other action, council:
– approved an animal impoundment agreement with the Alleghany Humane Society. The city will pay $53,000 to house stray animals captured within the city limits. Doane said the total is substantially less than if the city had to provide their own animal impoundment service;
– accepted the $2,000 bid from Faith Baptist Church for the purchase of mobile classrooms located at the former Edgemont Primary School;
– by a 4-1 vote, with Zimmerman dissenting, council voted to approve Robinson, Farmer, Cox and Associates to provide audit services for the city. “We can certainly do better than them.” Zimmerman commented.
– approved utility bill refunds for $111.09 for Conteck; $147.16 for Gerald Franson Insurance; and 151.04 for Kenny Duncan;
– approved John Hudson to the Board of Social Services;
– approved allowing the State Fire Marshal to perform fire inspections rather than the city building official;
– passed an appropriations resolution regarding personal property tax relief;
– held a closed session to discuss legal matters relating to demolition. No action was taken following the closed session.
