Lookout Mountain, Ga., Budget Improving; Town To Focus On Run-Down Properties, Delinquent Taxes

Lookout Mountain, Ga., City Accountant Paul Johnson told council members on Thursday that the  city is operating in the black with a small surplus now that the city has fixed some of the budget issues in regards to the sewer fund.

Mr. Johnson said the city’s tax revenues were slightly up with $678,000 received in property tax funds, $349,000 is local option sales tax funds (LOST) and $70,000 in motor vehicle tax.  He also said that the surplus was directly affected by less capital spending in 2015 than previous years.

Mr. Johnson reported that the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) recently changed requirements in financial reporting of city governments. This change requires the non-current liability of the city pension to be listed on the balance sheet in a hypothetical scenario that showed what it would cost the city if all city employees retired and began drawing their pensions at the same time.  For Lookout Mountain, Ga., this number is $465,000.  Mr. Johnson made it clear that this liability is a real number but in a hypothetical situation.  For a full report of the city’s financial status and reports they are available by request at city hall.

 

City Manager Brad Haven reported that he is currently finishing a presentation designed to highlight dilapidated and neglected properties within the city limits.  He plans to show this to the council and the city’s planning commission.  The purpose is to give property owners a certain period of time to bring their properties up to ordinance-mandated code or have the city condemn the property and potentially seize it if is hazardous to the surrounding area.  Mr. Haven will also highlight properties that are delinquent in property taxes in this report as well. Council members began the discussion of how they would go about the enforcement of ordinances already in place.

 

Mr. Haven said he has two estimates to stripe city roads.  One utilizes Lookout Mountain, Tn., equipment and supplied paint with use of public works employees for labor.  The initial cost is less but does not account for time and labor costs and salaries for those employees.  The other estimate is from a company called Wildcat Striping.  This estimate is higher but is all-inclusive and does not require the city’s public works employees' labor, freeing them up for their regular day-to-day responsibilities.  Councilwoman Beth Soloff pointed out that striping should not be done in the colder months but rather wait until warmer months for best results. 

 

Mayor Sandy Gothard proposed a schedule for street striping beginning with Lula Lake Road, Wood Nymph Trail, Fleetwood Drive and Robin Hood Trail making a loop.  Phase two would include striping Fairyland proper and Phase three would be some outlying streets and Fort Stephenson and Fort Trace.  He also urged the council to go with Wildcat Striping to free up the public works employees.  Mr. Haven said he is waiting on final pricing before getting council approval to proceed.

 

Councilwoman Caroline Williams reported that the Fairyland School Great Pumpkin Chase fundraising event takes place Oct. 30.  Mrs. Williams also said the school participated in the first International Walk to School on Oct. 7.  Students and parents met at the bottom of Rock City Trail and walked up the hill to the school.  She stated that this promotes community unity and healthy living.  The school noticed a significant decrease in that morning’s car pool traffic.  She thanked Police Chief Todd Gann for helping coordinate the event.