An Ordinance to establish Fiscal Year 2020 – July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, Operating and Capital Budget of the City of Jackson, passed by a 7-2 vote, Tuesday.
The vote was taken when the Jackson City Council held a Special Called Meeting at City Hall.
The budget for Fiscal Year 2020 is $74,329,933.16, which is a 0.12 percent increase over the amended budget of $74,241,599.58 for Fiscal Year 2019.
The city council had its first (reading),” said Jerry Gist, mayor of Jackson, “Bottom line is, we ended up about $1.3 million expenses over revenue (and) we took part of that and put it in two areas in the budget, really about one-half million dollars ($506,859.86) revenue over expenses, so it’s a pretty good budget.
“The new council will still have the opportunity to amend the budget, however they see fit.
“The comptroller really wanted us to go ahead and have the council to approve the budget by July 1, but that does not necessarily deter the new council coming on board changing anything they want to change.”
Council members Vicky Foote and Ross Priddy voted against the proposal.
“I know we’re satisfying the state by putting this budget in place, but I think with the upcoming council and new mayor we can do a better job of setting them up for success,” Priddy said, “I just wanted to see more involvement from department heads, but unfortunately we didn’t have that, and that’s why I voted against it.”
Charles Rahm, who leaves his position on the City Council, June 30, voted in favor of the proposal, but said a second reading is yet to come.
“The proposed budget that was passed today is one that will have a second reading in the June council meeting, but if it does pass in June, certainly the new administration and new council can amend or adjust the budget in any way once they take office,” Rahm said, “They can increase or decrease the budget, capital expenditures or even sales tax – they have that freedom and ability.”
Council members voted 9-0 in favor of an Ordinance to establish the FY 20 Property Tax Rate at 1.9619 for the city.
(PHOTO: Al Laffoon, City Recorder)
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