Green River Mayor Ed Bentley explained at the opening of the public hearing held on June 12, the first part of the hearing is to gather comments on the 2006-2007 city budget. He presented the budget and explained what needs to be done before the end of the month.
“A city budget must have at least three and not more than 10 percent carry over in the general fund from year to year. The overage we have will be put into the capital projects fund in accordance with Utah State law. This is for the 2006-2007 budget which closes on June 30,” said Mayor Bentley.
No public comments were heard on this issue.
For the next hour, the council took comments on the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2007-2008. Mayor Bentley reviewed the changes already being considered and instructed the council to make these changes to the proposed budget.
Former councilman and now chairman of the Green River PACT, Tom Burr, was the first to speak. He asked the council to reinstate the $12,000 to the community center so they can at least pay their utilities. He said the reduction to $10,600 was not enough to do that.
Councilman Dan Harrison stated he thought the community center provides many services to the children of Green River and the least the city can do is pay their utility bills. Councilman Kent Johnson suggested changes to other items and the reinstatement of the original $12,000 to the community center.
Connie Copenhaver presented copies of the years utility bills for the center which total near the $12,000. She said if there is increases in costs, they could not handle it.
Seven more residents spoke in favor of the Green River Community Center/Boys and Girls Club, and one spoke against having the center at the present location.
When the council entered into the regular city council meeting, the changes to the budget were discussed and it was agreed to increase the line item for the community center to allow the full $12,000 for utilities, and to reimburse them for concrete work for a basketball court.
Another item discussed by residents was the medical center. Federal law states the medical center must have three months operating funds in reserve at all times. The city council also made allowance for this in the new budget when the regular city council meeting was convened.
In other business completed by the Green River City Council, Coralie Seright was awarded the bid to build and maintain the Web sites for the city, the museum and the archives. She will also establish and maintain the city’s TV station.
The next Green River City Council meeting will be held July 10 at 7 p.m. at city hall.
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