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Atchison City Budget Closer to Finalization

By David Meyer

06/08/2012

The budget for next year for the city of Atchison is now in their next stage of the process.

Revenue review and core department proposals were reviewed at the nearly three hour budget workshop Thursday evening.

City Manager Trey Cocking said the analysis from the previous year came in better than the past several years.

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He then gave a progress report for this coming year.

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There are several things the city is looking into improving moving forward, including making it easier pay your utility bill.

Interim Finance Director Cari Strieby and Cocking explainn.

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Late in the meeting, discussion ensued on what kinds of adjustments were needed in finalizing the budget.

Mayor Allen Reavis said it’s the Commission’s responsibility to keep fund balances the same.

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Commissioner Jack Bower was concerned about some departments receiving 10 to 15 percent increases from last year.

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Most department heads were recently given smart phones by the city to have 24/7 phone and internet capabilities.

However, a recurring theme was an over budgeting on telephone services.

Also, Commissioners also discussed the gap on franchising fees left by Bunge Milling after they won their annexation suit against the city, and returned to being a county entity.

The city is currently appealing the decision and it’s currently unknown when a decision will be made on that.

Commissioners agreed to tentatively set after the July 2nd City Commission meeting as when the City Manager’s final budget proposal will be unveiled.

The city is currently awaiting figures and action from the county, which is anticipated to happen by July 1st.