Lookout Mountain, Ga., Mayor Sandy Gothard announced Thursday that, due to cuts in operation and the small tax increase from the previous year, the city is operating in the black by approximately $70,000.
Prior to the council meeting, the council conducted a public hearing to discuss the fiscal budget for 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.
The mayor suggested that the city take the surplus and replenish some of the city’s reserve funds and CDs that they have been used the past couple of years. The council agreed and approved the amended budget for 2014/2015 and adopted the 2015/2016 budget on first reading.
The council discussed the allocation of SPLOST funds for the upcoming fiscal year. For the 2015/2016 fiscal year the city will be using SPLOST funds to purchase the new police vehicle that is presently on order. Officials also plan to use funds for street striping. In the previous year the city saved some funds by not purchasing a force main valve for the sewer system. The city also finished the sidewalk, the repairs to Fort Trace and purchased a new leaf machine and tractor with the 2014/2015 SPLOST allocation.
On second reading, the council approved ordinance number 286 renewing the golf carts on certain city streets following registration and approval by the city.
The council also reappointed Wes Hasden to the sewer board.
Mayor Gothard also told the council to work on points of importance for future RFPs for the development and potential sale of city-owned property. The council is also considering the sale of the South Lula Lake Road property at the south end of the city limits.
The next regular council meeting will take place Thursday, July 16, at 5:30.