Baldwin approves budget in split vote

In a 3-2 vote, the Baldwin City Council approved its budget Monday night.

The total fiscal year 2012 general fund budget revenues are $1.52 million with expenditures totaling $1.48 million. The total enterprise funds revenues are $3.07 million for 2012 with expenses at $3.12 million.

Council members Rodney King and Beverly Holcombe voted against the budget, while Sandi Rudeseal, Robert Bohannon and Jeff Parrish voted in favor of it.

The general fund budget includes a $60,000 salary for the city administrator’s position with human resources and finance director Karen Degges being promoted to this position effective Aug. 1.

The proposed general fund budget also includes a new position for a part-time revenue officer/animal control officer at $14.50 per hour.
A budget hearing was held last week but no citizens attended.

In other financial business, a discussion was held on the possibility of lowering the millage rate by a quarter of a percent. No action was taken but this will be discussed further at the August work session.

Degges also presented information on the Habersham County tax digest where assessments are down $3 million.