The 2013 budget includes increases of about 3 percent for garbage pickup and cemetery fees, and merit raises of up to 4 percent for eligible employees.
“No tax increase is proposed, and no increase in business licenses or alcohol licenses,” City Manager John Bennett said.
A resolution adopted by the board hikes the garbage collection fee to $8.60 a month from $8.55 a month for the 65-gallon residential carts and to $13.60 from $13.20 for the 95-gallon carts — effective Jan. 1. Commercial and yard waste rates also will be affected by the increase.
Bennett said water and sewer rates also are expected to rise about 3 percent, although the committee in charge of reviewing the department’s finances doesn’t meet until 10 a.m. today.
The water and sewer department operates with a customer-funded budget that is separate from the general fund. The city also maintains 21 other, smaller funds.
Mayor Evie McNiece said a public hearing on the 2013 budgets is scheduled for the board’s Dec. 10 meeting and they’re expected to be adopted Dec. 17.
Commissioners voted to move their Dec. 24 meeting to Dec. 17 because of the Christmas holiday.
Also on Monday, the board went into closed session for about an hour to conduct Bennett’s annual evaluation.
“This was one of the best evaluations I’ve seen,” McNiece said after the board adjourned. “During these tough economic times, John’s been able to keep the city in good fiscal condition. Some of the things he’s done are really, truly amazing.”
Bennett will be getting a 4-percent raise, bringing his salary up to $144,572 from $139,012, she said.
In other actions, the board recognized retiring Rome City Schools Superintendent Gayland Cooper for 40 years of service.
“He has spent his career as a visionary and builder of our children’s future,” the proclamation read in part.
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