Princeton City Council gave final approval Monday to the $7.16 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year that represents a 58-percent increase over last year’s fiscal plan drawn up during a pandemic.
At last month’s meeting, Mayor Kota Young said the current fiscal year’s financial outlook comes on the heels of consecutive six-figure surpluses. As a result, the City’s general fund cash balance has seen tremendous growth.
The city expects to generate over $3 million through tax revenue with a contingency fund of $388,000.
Expenses include $2.6 million for the police department, just over $1 million for public works, and $791,000 for community development.
The budget passed by a 5-0 vote with councilwoman Sheila Gates absent.
Council also unanimously approved the final passage of the city personnel salary plan effective July 1. While the main salaries don’t see much change, volunteer firefighters will receive $35 for each fire call, $30 for each fire drill, and $30 for vehicle and rescue responses. In addition, Princeton firemen will receive $10 an hour if the call lasts longer than two hours.
In the ABC report, City Clerk Julie Key said there were two businesses looking to complete their application process for an alcohol license in the city. She said the city currently has 20 businesses with a license to sell alcohol and two package store licenses – the maximum the city is allowed under law.
Through the first four months of the year, alcohol tax revenue in Princeton is nearly $7,500 more than in 2020 with $59,465 reported as received.
In other business, the council tabled a request by a company looking to install a digital billboard along U.S. 62, south of the West Main Street intersection. A current city ordinance restricts a billboard to be placed within 500 feet of a residential district. Councilman Brian Conger said there could be some drawbacks to changing the ordinance to allow the billboard, including a drop in property value.
In his report to the council, Mayor Young said demolition of the former Princeton One Hour Cleaners was completed Monday. He added the city has no involvement in the demolition and cleanup of the property.
click to download audioThe historic building collapsed on April 29 and had to be torn down due to safety issues. One lane of West Market Street near the site will be closed in the coming days.
The mayor also said some paving projects in the city may be running behind schedule due to the weather.
click to download audioIn his report to the council, Police Chief Chris King said his department answered 443 calls for service in May, made 11 felony arrests, and issued 21 traffic citations.
And Fire Chief Brent Francis said firemen responded to 13 vehicle crashes in May and two fires.
Because July 4th falls on a Sunday, the next council meeting will be Tuesday, July 6.
