In a special meeting Thursday night, the Gosnell City Council discussed adjusting the proposed 2019 budget to make room for equipment needs.
Gosnell Mayor Teresa Walker proposed cutting line items in the $1,297,811 budget to allow for capital purchases of a used backhoe and police vehicle.
She said the city’s backhoe “is on its last leg” and cannot be repaired. Walker estimates a used backhoe will cost $37,000-40,000, pointing out that former Mayor Don Marshall found one for $37,000 that is no longer available.
Walker suggested making room in the budget for the equipment by slashing $20,000 from street repairs and moving another $5,000 from the sewer department.
“I’m open for any suggestions,” she said, adding general funds are an option too.
Councilman David Blount asked if the city’s new mechanic has looked at the current backhoe, and Walker said he noted it “only has two gears left.”
Blount agreed that the city must have a backhoe.
“I know we have some major leaks in our sewer system that require a backhoe,” Blount said. “That’s not going to get going until we have one, but you are not going to be doing it until some of this stuff dries up either. I do think we’ve got a minute to research and look and come up with something good…We can put our heads together and find the best deal we can find.”
Councilman Jason Taylor said the city should shop around for the best deal.
Blount agreed.
“Did you say 20 grand out of the street? We probably won’t do a whole lot; we’ll chip seal this year, because we had so much done last year,” Blount said. “That’s a good idea. Maybe we can find something around 20 grand.”
Also, Walker proposed purchasing a new police vehicle this year, saying leaders could lower the jail fees line by $5,500.
She said the city typically spends around $17,000 in jail fees. Walker added the police budget may be affected by the minimum wage increase to $9.25 per hour, specifically part-time or reserve officers.
Meanwhile, the Gosnell Fire Department is awaiting passage of the budget to purchase $10,000 in needed turnout gear, Walker said.
In other news, Taylor questioned using a miscellaneous line item, saying the budget should be specific on what the expense or revenue item is.
City Clerk Kathleen Hunt Cross said miscellaneous is used for random items, noting many other municipalities use miscellaneous.
Cross added she can show what makes up miscellaneous.
The Gosnell City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.