Here’s the latest e-mail update from Mayor Bob:

I wanted to give you an update on the budget and the City election. I have talked and met with Mayor-elect Steve Benjamin and newly elected Councilwoman Leona Plaugh. We will have an outstanding and smooth transition, and both will participate fully in all City Council deliberations immediately. Congratulations to Steve and Leona, and congratulations to Kirkman Finlay and Tony Mizzell for their excellent campaigns and years of dedicated service. I would also congratulate Steve Morrison for his race and lifetime of service to the City and State.

I am attaching the final March financials for expenses and an email from Bill Ellis. We are currently $5.7 million under expenses for this year’s budget. Business license collections are doing well, but all revenue will be monitored carefully. Additionally, Mike King Assistant City Manager for Public Safety reported to City Council that the proposed budget for the fire department, reflects full funding of all fire suppression and prevention responsibilities, to include fully restoring both Engine 8 and Engine 9 to service. The funding requested will provide for full staffing levels of firefighters. Staff eliminated unfilled administrative positions. As reported before, the budget includes an additional, through finding greater efficiencies, $500,000 for police overtime. We will also add 15 police officers this year primarily from stimulus funding.

I will continue to keep you posted on the City-until June 30^th at midnight!! Thanks!