Hopkinsville City Council will be considering the recommended 2021-2022 operational budget and capital budget next month after getting approval from the Committee of the Whole.
At a special called meeting Thursday night, Mayor Wendell Lynch gave an overview of the $41.2 million operational budget he is recommending, which is an increase of $3.1 million over last year’s budget.
Mayor Lynch said the $3.1 million increase includes pensions, a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for staff, and a department head salary adjustment.
The increase also includes operational costs for the water park, additional inner-city REZ funding and IGNITE projects, along with 8.80 percent payroll tax which will generate a projected revenue of $1.4 million.
In addition, he said there would not be any budget cuts to departments and agencies, and no increase to the property tax rate or business license rate.
Following Lynch’s overview, department heads presented their budgets and line items. The only amendment to the budget was requested by Councilman Phillip Brooks who made a motion to add $31,000 to the Community and Development Services budget, which was unanimously approved.
Chief Financial Officer Robert Martin presented the capital budget, which includes software for IT, and cars and body cameras for the police department.
It also includes $175,000 to build up a reserve for the fire truck replacement plan, $60,000 for the water park, and equipment and other items for Parks and Recreation.
The total capital budget expenses of $2.72 million were approved and forwarded to the full council.
The operational budget and capital budget now go to the full City Council for consideration at the June 1st meeting.
