The Nelson City Council presented a first reading of a new FY13 budget last night. In June the city also held a public hearing to discuss the budget. During the June meeting, council presented a first reading of a proposed FY13 budget for $320,000. Since this time, however, several changes have been made.

During last month’s hearing, Councilman Jonathan Bishop presented four versions of the FY13 budget. The first two of these proposals budgeted $375,000, the third, $328,000 and the fourth budgeted $320,000. The first two budgets factored in $16,000 of revenue collected from the police department. Regarding the fourth proposal, Bishop said $320,000 was all the revenue the city receives, so it could spend no more than this amount. Bishop also noted that the city does not have any money in its reserve or contigency fund. In June, council passed the fourth proposal for $320,000, voting unanimously for the measure.

According to a correspondence today with FYN, City Clerk Brandy Edwards stated that last night’s first reading was necessary for changes that were made to June’s budget. Edwards said sanitation and court costs were added back into expenses; these were not accounted for in the previous version, Edwards said.

During the public commentary part of the hearing, Nelson Resident Lamar Kelly expressed his concerns about the new budget. Mr. Kelly said he felt the city was spending an excessive amount on the police to communte, estimating a cost of $3500 to $4000 on gas alone. He also said he would like to see enough funding for the up-keep of right-aways and city property, suggesting funding for maintenance contracting.

Councilman Jackie Jarrett then made a motion to approve the $368,000 budget. Council passed the motion unanimously.

Facing certain obstacles, including the abrupt resignation of then-Mayor David Leister, council did not pass a budget by July first. As such, the city is currently operating on last year’s budget. The second reading is scheduled for August 6th at Nelson City Hall.

See the latest version of Nelson’s FY13 budget below.