The Collegedale commissioners approved, on second and final reading, the budget for 2015-2016 at a meeting on Monday. Vice Mayor Tim Johnson said he thinks it is well put together and wanted to thank the staff for working it out. There will be no property tax increase this year, with the rate remaining at $1.39 per every $100 of assessed value.
Included in the budget is a pay raise including an increase of one and a half percent for the city employees. Monday night the commissioners discussed adjusting the city manager’s compensation.
Mayor Katie Lamb began by thanking City Manager Ted Rogers for all that he does for the city. The vice mayor made a motion for an increase of two percent which passed unanimously.
Eric Sines, director of public works told the commissioners that more concrete is needed to complete the re-make of the playground behind city hall, Imagination Station. The original estimate allotted $49,400 for concrete. An increase of $3,070 was given approval Monday night. The city manager said there is cash available to cover the difference. The grand re-opening is scheduled for Monday, June 29 at 4 p.m.
During the past year, Collegedale purchased property that is adjacent to the city’s firing range from a family that was disturbed and alarmed over the facility being built in such close proximity to their home. The purchase consists of a house, a pond and 30 acres of land for a total of $535,000. The city has decided to sell the house and pond along with 10 acres and will keep the other 20. It spans the area between Tallant and McDonald Roads.
The law requires that the city obtain a Request for Proposal for real estate services. After putting it out for bid, only two were received. Commissioner Ethan White, who is a realtor, advised the commissioners that more conditions needed to be required of the person who will be awarded the job. He said that different realtors have specialties and because this property is in a rural area it might benefit the city to hire a realtor with experience in that area of expertise. City Attorney Sam Elliott said the commissioners can reject both of the bids already received and then re-advertise with the added qualifications specified. A competitive market analysis will now be required as part of the RFP proposal. Mr. White will recuse himself from benefiting in any way from the decision.
In the financial report for May the city manager said at 91.67 percent through the year, the city has collected 107 percent of the amount of revenue budgeted. In the way of expenditures, the police department has exceeded by 128 percent, the amount allotted in the budget for 2015. This was due to the firing range, and other purchases including body cameras. The parks and recreation department also has spent 126 percent of its budgeted allotment mainly due to the purchase of the property for Collegedale Commons. Mr. Rogers added that cash flow is good and investments are performing well.
Mayor Katie Lamb told the commissioners that she has received requests to lower the speed limit on Lee Highway to 45 m.p.h. She said that because it is a state road, the city cannot make the change. There have been two fatalities and five crashes on the portion of Lee Highway that is in Collegedale’s jurisdiction. A speed study had been requested, she said.
She also reported on a meeting she had at Congressman Chuck Fleishman's office. She was asked to provide a history of issues the city has had with the post office. She said they indicated that they would see what could be done about the complaints.