March 20, 2013 — The Grayson City Council held its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday. The major topics of discussion were the city's budget and a proposed noise ordinance.
The Council was presented with an amended budget for fiscal year 2012-2013 that shows estimated spending of $506,291 in excess of what was appropriated in the original budget.
According to Mayor George Steele, a majority of the overspending occurred because the city needed to purchase a new fire engine, and also because of blacktopping that was done on Promised Land Drive.
“We did go over our budget for the year, but it's not wasted money. Every penny of what we spent has gone back into the community, which is why we're here in the first place,” Steele said.
Even though spending will exceed budget appropriations, the city doesn't appear to be in any significant financial peril. City Clerk Cindy Stratton and Darlene Simmon, the City Treasurer, both indicated that there are more than enough surplus funds available to cover the overages.
Simmons was quick to point out, however, that overspending in the future should be avoided in order to preserve the remaining surplus funds, which are typically held back for use in the event of a drastic emergency.
The Council also held a first reading of a proposed ordinance that sets guidelines for acceptable noise limits within the city, and penalties for violations of those rules.
According to the ordinance, prohibited noise would be any noise that “disturbs, injures or endangers the peace or health of another or the health, safety, or welfare of the community.”
If the ordinance is passed after a second reading, fines ranging from $50 to $200 could be levied against those who violate the rules.
The next regular monthly meeting of the Grayson City Council is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at City Hall.
Joe Lewis can be reached at jlewis@journal-times.com or by telephone at 286-4201.
