Othello approves 2009 budget

Several projects slated for next year

OTHELLO - The Othello City Council approved their 2009 budget Monday night.

The budget is roughly $14.86 million, Finance Director Mike Bailey said. The general fund within the total budget is approximately $4.6 million, he said.

The largest budget item within the general fund is $1.99 million for the police department.

The water utility fund is $2.39 million. Bailey said $1 million of the fund will be used for drilling and installing a new well.

The utility tax fund is $1.43 million. Council approved $267,000 worth of projects to be paid from the fund in 2009, he said. The projects include improvements to the tennis courts at Lions Park, a new basketball court at Lions Park, ball field lights at Lions Park and a truck and mini excavator for the public works department.

Councilmember Ken Johnson said he was concerned about the vacant lieutenant position in the police department and a vacant position in the building and planning department because they were not budgeted for in the 2009 budget.

He said he worried police Chief Steve Dunnagan would have too much pressure on himself without filling the lieutenant position since the position is second in command to the chief.

Johnson said it appears the duties for the building and planning department position have been a burden for City Administrator Ehman Sheldon and the secretarial staff because it's not filled.

He said he preferred to budget for those positions.

City staff advised if they chose to fill the positions, council can make a budget amendment at any time.

Citizens did not provide testimony during the public hearing.

Councilmember Tim Wilson motioned to approve the 2009 budget and Councilmember Mark Snyder seconded the motion. The budget was approved unanimously.

Councilmember Marc Spohr and Councilmember Dan Dever were absent from the meeting.

Spohr said Mayor Shannon McKay told him he was in favor of the budget even through he was unable to attend the meeting.