City of Comer is in the red

The problem results from several off-budget expenditures and declining property tax revenues. These include the new police station, which had been financed with sales tax funds which the city had to replace. Other expenses include repairs to the learning center and a new police car.

The city has overspent its budget approximately $30,000 over the last several years. At the same time, the deadline is past for increasing the millage rate for 2013. The rate will remain at 4.4 mills, the same as the last several years. The reduction in revenues is due to the overall decline in property values.

The city has two old police cars, which will be advertised for sale, and a new company has contracted to collect unpaid taxes from previous years.

“The city must operate as efficiently as possible,” Mayor Blackmon said.

Meanwhile, the city has set a budget hearing for Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. A vote on the 2013 budget will be held at the regular October meeting.

The city still needs to complete work on the water treatment plant. They are waiting for the delivery of the baffle curtain. All work in preparation of installing the curtain is complete and it can be installed as soon as it is delivered. The new baffle should bring the water treatment facility in compliance with state standards.

The city will work with a local resident to correct parking problems involving the Travel museum, and to correct water problems on Clover Avenue.

The council voted to take no action on phase one of the Hwy. 72 project. The moving of water and sewage pipes on 1,000 feet of Hwy. 98 will likely be several years away. That work will cost the city up to $212,000, and they will have to work on financing for that project when it is closer to reality.

The Comer Women’s Club will use the Travel Museum again this year in support of the city’s Christmas parade. The mayor and council are looking for motorized golf carts to use In the parade.

The city is looking for ways to honor local resident Bethany Poole who has just won a World Open Flag Baton Championship. A position of honor in the Christmas Parade was suggested.

Work on a city-wide yard sale is continuing.