Pocomoke passes budget
The Pocomoke City council unanimously adopted an unaltered fiscal 2017 budget on Tuesday, after the same document passed first reading two weeks ago.
General fund revenue is about $5 million, about half of which is tax revenue from various sources and fees as well as about $207,000 in surplus funds from previous years.
The ambulance service is expected to bring in about $1 million next fiscal year in county support funds, insurance claims and a transfer from the general fund. The water/sewer fund totals about $2 million with user fees contributing the largest share.
General fund expenses are largely in the domains of public safety and maintenance, including about $1.6 million total for fire and police services and training. City employee benefits cost about $900,000 annually.
Ambulance personnel salaries, benefits and general expenses make up the lion’s share of its nearly $1 million in expenditures next year. Water and sewer services make up the bulk of the nearly $2 million expenditure expected here. Employee benefits and loan payments also contribute significantly to the expenditures.
Water, sewer fee hike
Calling the move necessary to combat the ongoing water issues in the town, the council voted to institute a fee increase estimated between $8-$10 per month for owner-occupied dwellings. The increase will go into effect in July.
Responding to citizen questions regarding the necessity of such a hike, several council members said they were also citizens and subject to the increased fees as well.
This change does not affect industrial-grade water usage, and renter’s bills will not increase, City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot said.
The move is expected to generate about $90,000 in revenue to help finance improvements to the water system after a study is completed to identify the cause of the city’s water problems.
Residents have been reporting a large volume of debris, only partially mitigated by filtration systems, and an odor reminiscent of burning sulfur occasionally emanating from their city-provided drinking water.
The Pocomoke City council unanimously adopted an unaltered fiscal 2017 budget on Tuesday, after the same document passed first reading two weeks ago.
General fund revenue is about $5 million, about half of which is tax revenue from various sources and fees as well as about $207,000 in surplus funds from previous years.
The ambulance service is expected to bring in about $1 million next fiscal year in county support funds, insurance claims and a transfer from the general fund. The water/sewer fund totals about $2 million with user fees contributing the largest share.
General fund expenses are largely in the domains of public safety and maintenance, including about $1.6 million total for fire and police services and training. City employee benefits cost about $900,000 annually.
Ambulance personnel salaries, benefits and general expenses make up the lion’s share of its nearly $1 million in expenditures next year. Water and sewer services make up the bulk of the nearly $2 million expenditure expected here. Employee benefits and loan payments also contribute significantly to the expenditures.
Water, sewer fee hike
Calling the move necessary to combat the ongoing water issues in the town, the council voted to institute a fee increase estimated between $8-$10 per month for owner-occupied dwellings. The increase will go into effect in July.
Responding to citizen questions regarding the necessity of such a hike, several council members said they were also citizens and subject to the increased fees as well.
This change does not affect industrial-grade water usage, and renter’s bills will not increase, City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot said.
The move is expected to generate about $90,000 in revenue to help finance improvements to the water system after a study is completed to identify the cause of the city’s water problems.
Residents have been reporting a large volume of debris, only partially mitigated by filtration systems, and an odor reminiscent of burning sulfur occasionally emanating from their city-provided drinking water.