The fiscal year 2017 budget was approved on first reading by the East Ridge City Council Thursday night. The property tax rate remains unchanged at $1.4227 per $1,000 of assessed value. Citizens will be able to participate in the public budget hearing that will be held just before the next council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 5:45 p.m. and changes can be made before the second and final vote that night.
The council also approved an ordinance amendment to the city code relating to the organizational chart of city departments and employees.
Scott Miller, the new city manager, has transferred some employees into different departments that are relevant to their actual jobs and in some cases has restructured the chain of command. The new budget was created with any changes, including the addition of one more employee in administration, two additional police officers, three more firefighters, hiring a building inspector and one part-time employee for the recreation department.
Mr. Miller told the council that he has future plans to update all positions before re-doing the pay classifications but will first need to do job descriptions. He said that currently some employees that are more qualified and hold higher positions are paid less than other employees with less education or experience and whose jobs require less skill.
The city is interested in creating recreational opportunities throughout the town. Currently recreational facilities are concentrated at Camp Jordan and it is recognized that more should be available in the center and western side of town. A resolution to authorize the mayor to execute a contract with Southeast Tennessee Development District (SETDD) was approved. This will provide professional services to create a comprehensive recreation plan for the parks and recreation department that should be valid for five years. This study will create an inventory of all facilities in the city including playgrounds and tennis courts at the schools. It is hoped that having the study will help the city get more grants. It will be started this fall and will be finished by spring, for a one-time amount. The city manager mentioned finding locations for a dog park, a skate park and tennis courts as one goal.
Resolutions were approved that will allow East Ridge to participate in the state of Tennessee recycling rebate matching grant program. Authorization was also given to apply for and accept the TML Risk Management Pool “Safety Partners” matching grant program. A contract will be made with SETDD to provide professional grant management services in regards to the transportation alternatives program grant.
Another vote was in favor of adding language to a resolution passed in June that will give banks the assurances they have requested to guarantee money they are due relating to the Jordan Crossing development.
Mr. Miller announced that there will be a 95th birthday celebration for East Ridge on Aug. 20. The event will start at 5 p.m. Music by three or four different groups will begin at 6 p.m. There will also be birthday cake and fireworks. “It will be a festive time,” he said.