Landis schedules public hearing for budget

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Landis’ Board of Aldermen held a brief meeting Monday to discuss monthly town matters.

The board set a public hearing for June 24 at 6 p.m. for the town’s 2015-16 budget. Board members plan to adopt the budget at that meeting.

Last week, the board reviewed a balanced budget, which came to a total of $12,300,169. In mid-May, the aldermen realized they would have to cut a number of things from the budget to decrease the amount by $120,505.

The police department initially requested $102,904 for three patrol cars, salary adjustments and computer upgrades. That request was decreased by $78,604. The final budget includes $35,000 to purchase one new patrol car. No salary adjustments will be received, and computer and software technology support was decreased to $20,000.

The fire department didn’t have to cut its proposed budget because it was already slated to come in under budget due to some maintenance savings within the department.

The department will add two additional firefighters to its staff to ensure each shift is staffed by three firefighters. The department will also use $10,000 to purchase turnout gear.

Parks and Recreation asked for an additional $31,570 to pay on its PARTF grant, begin work at the Lake Corriher Wilderness Area, repair the Depot roof and repair the town pool.

The actual amount allotted to $17,699, and includes beginning work at the Lake Corriher Wilderness Area, payment on the PARTF grant and repairing the Depot roof. Building maintenance and capital expenses were decreased.

The town’s streets department requested $42,157 to purchase a front mount snowplow and a new garbage truck, as well as to install sidewalks and resurface some roads.

The final budget decreases the street department’s funding by $10,000. Funding remains to purchase a front snowplow, but not a new garbage truck. The town will pursue grants to install sidewalks on North Main Street and Kimball Road. Some roads will still be resurfaced.

There were no capital expenses in the sanitation department, so it remained the same

The administration department requested an increase of $28,488, to install a new telecommunications system, which includes the replacement computers and server at City Hall. There were also increases in professional fees and mayor and aldermen expenses.

That figure was decreased by $11,000. The final budget includes installation of a new telecommunications system, computers and servers at City Hall. The mayor and aldermen’s expenses were cut, as well as the town’s professional fees and membership fees.

Landis residents will have an opportunity to discuss the budget with the board at the called meeting on June 24.

The board passed a resolution supporting a bond that would provide funding for public infrastructure across the state and approved a motion to close City Hall at noon on June 30 to close out the fiscal year.

Public services, such as water, sewer, police and fire will still be available, but the town won’t take any collections after noon, said Town Manager Reed Linn.

The board also approved Landis Baptist Church’s request to block off North Kimmons Street between West Ryder and West Garden streets from 5:30-9 p.m. during their Vacation Bible School because children cross the road from one side to another.