Gasconade County Republican

The budget includes a two percent pay raise for city employees.

The city expects to bring in $130,000 in personal property and real estate taxes, $120,000 in sales tax collections, $85,000 in a franchise tax and $45,000 in court collections to help boost the total for the general fund income to $554,800.

Another $225,000 is expected to be raised through sewer revenue.

Water revenue will generate $180,000 and reconnect fees will pull in $7,000. Interest on CDs and return check fees will amount to $1,500.

The transportation fund should receive $114,000 through collection of a 1 1/2 cent transportation sales tax. Another $2,100 is expected through curbing reimbursements and interest on the checking account.

By far, the largest expense for the city is employee related. Wages, payroll taxes, retirement, health insurance and workers compensation take a huge chunk of the budgeted funds.

This year another large payment is looming as the city must make its first payment toward the sewer/lagoon project that was completed this fall.

The first annual payment of $95,200 is due in September.

It will cost the city $20,000 to keep the streets lights lit.

Another $30,000 will be set aside for street repairs, but this amount does not include any new work or resurfacing.

In the water department, debt service is expected to cost $45,000. Another $6,000 has been earmarked for waterline repairs and improvements.

Legal fees will take a $16,500 bite out of the general fund.

It is expected to cost $15,000 in gas and oil to keep the police cars on the streets.

The budget is available for the public to see at city hall during normal business hours.