In an interim meeting Monday evening, Chillicothe Council reviewed next year's budget.
Feeney said he worked with the auditor to build a solid budget with a modest 2% increase in income tax revenue. The general fund appropriation will be $19.738,090. The overall budget will be about $40,000,000 with utilities and other budgets.
Mayor Luke Feeney said the only major change in the budget is curbside recycling, a completely new city service.
Council also heard they need to invest in the sewage plant Monday evening.
Utilities Director David Fishel explained that the wastewater treatment plant at the end of Renick Avenue lost one of two boilers in July. What would happen if the other failed? $200,000 to $250,000 a year to haul out raw sewage.
But a facilities review looked at the 'big picture.' For $198,000, Fishel says the 30-plus-year-old facility could get needed repairs...as well as upgrades for upcoming EPA regulations, plus a contingency fund.
Council should be voting on the emergency appropriation soon. They will meet, and vote on the budget, Thursday the 27th to avoid Christmas eve.
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils and local culture