Security cameras, water leak detector undecided
CUMBY—The city of Cumby reviewed its proposed budget during an Aug. 14 budget session, focusing specifically on how much is allotted to each department. The council reviewed what needed to be purchased within the next year to better maintain the city.
Mayor Doug Simmerman opened the session by stating the city had “made a lot of progress in our unpaid bills that were out of control.” Simmerman said he was “very proud,” of the group’s work.
City secretary Codi Reynolds stated the city had an interest payment due Jan. 1, 2021 in the sum of $40,200. Another payment is due in July 2021, Reynolds stated.
Simmerman inquired about payroll. In 2019, payroll amounted to $420,000, and in 2020, Reynolds instructed the amount had increased approximately $10,000. Reynolds stated this was due to “adding another employee on the court side.” However, Reynolds specified that Municipal Judge Lana Adams is not a city employee, but rather falls under contract labor. Simmerman stated there were “potential raises we need to factor in.” The group agreed to budget $440,000 for payroll in 2020.
Reynolds stated the cost for court computer software was $5,500 yearly. Council member Julie Morris asked if “we weren’t caught up,” and Reynolds indicated no. The group reclassified the expense under court technology, which previously had $3,000 budgeted in 2019. The new budget for court technology is $5,500 total.
For water and sewer technology, the city budgeted $1,000 in 2019; however, due to the implementation of AVR billing software in 2020, the group was unsure of the cost and resolved to check. Simmerman asked to look into an automatic pump alert system.
After installation and with gas and a workstation, the estimate for the utilities budget came in at $65,282, Simmerman stated. Simmerman said part of the cost, uniforms for $4,000, could be “scratched off.”
Simmerman stated that for utility workers, tools and equipment needed to be increased to $10,000. Reynolds stated she thought office supplies for sewer and water would decrease since the implementation of the AVR software.
Running municipal water tests through AnaLab is $55 per test, Reynolds stated. This usually averages out to $2,500 per year, Simmerman calculated. This includes sewer plant and chlorine tests, Simmerman stated. Simmerman also calculated the city needed to spend $7,200 a year to buy chlorine.
The group chose to remain with CumbyTel for their internet service, paying a sum of $10,749. Simmerman stated he likes to “support local business,” and council member Guy Butler agreed.
The council members decided to provide $1,000 “for the court side and the city side” for training through the Texas Municipal League. Council member Betty McCarter clarified that in the 2019 budget there is $4,000 budgeted for council member pay, but the actual costs are $6,300.
“I want it to all add up right,” McCarter said.
Morris also clarified that while council members may donate their salaries, they must first formally accept them, as they are a codified part of the city budget.
The cost of mowing would be removed from the monthly bills category, Reynolds stated, as the city would no longer be paying Mike’s Lawn Service per a decision of their June regular council meeting. At their regular August meeting, the council resolved to pay $14,000 for a 72-inch diesel mower.
The city continues to discuss a utility leak detection system, which retails online from companies such as Sentry for approximately $15,000. The council also continues to discuss purchasing security cameras for Black Jack Grove Park.
In 2019, the proposed budget amounted to $1 million, but with amendments, it is not clear what total this budget reaches. The group did not state whether or not they would specifically discuss the budget further at their regular September meeting.