Council takes a second look at proposed budget

RANDOLPH — Randolph City Council members met for a budget workshop and after discussion left many wish-list items on the cutting room floor.

The budget workshop was the council’s second look at the city’s proposed budget. A public hearing has been set for Aug. 31 with final adoption Sept. 1.

The city’s auditor and advisor firm AMGL of Grand Island attended the meeting and helped to answer questions.

The council challenged and reduced about $13,000 for the Randolph Volunteer Fire Department in firemen bunker gear.

Other items that were cut from the proposed budget include the purchase of a new police car, and bleachers and lighting for ball courts at the park. Money does not seem likely for extra manpower to instruct patrons using the Innovation Studio at the Lied Randolph Public Library.

Amounts for tree removal and city office furniture were reduced, as well.

The budget does include upgrading key locks in the park and auditorium, economic development initiatives and the purchase of a new mower, and new security cameras. City employees may also see wage increases reflected in the budget as well after the City Council discussed it in executive session.

The Randolph City Council appeared to be agreeable to paying the full salary of the Randolph Community Clubhouse manager for this fiscal year and may consider 50 percent for next fiscal year.

The City Council also discussed pursuing grants for sidewalk repair, and rubber mulch.

AMGL also told the council that the city’s trash fees were too low, and suggested increasing them in the future.