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Chelsea Council approves $7.75 million budget

by

Erica Techo

Erica Techo

In the upcoming fiscal year, the city of Chelsea is budgeting for an $846,307 surplus.

At its last council meeting of September, the Chelsea City Council passed the 2017-2018 operating budget for fiscal year 2018, which starts Oct. 1.

The budget shows about $8.6 million in total income for the city, with $7.75 million in total expenses.

The Council previously discussed the budget at a Sept. 7 work session, during which Councilman David Ingram went over the major points on the budget. At the Sept. 19 meeting, the budget before the council had five changes, said Mayor Tony Picklesimer, including an increase in expected revenues from new planning and zoning fees, which were passed by the council on Sept. 5; a decrease in the cost for health insurance for full-time employees, an item that was changed after the health insurance increase was lower than initially expected (1.5 percent instead of 5 percent); and budget items for the Chelsea Sports Complex and public safety.

One item added into the budget included improvements to the communication system used by the Chelsea Citizen Observer Patrol. To boost their radio system, a new antennae will be installed at the base of the water tower, which will cost around $5,000. This radio signal will also provide an alternate channel for the fire department, in the case of the county system going out, said Fire Chief Wayne Shirley.

Also at the meeting, the Council held a public hearing regarding an economic development proposal. No one signed up to speak during the public hearing, and the Council voted unanimously to pass the proposal, which allows the city to provide Chelsea Tire LLC up to $25,000 over a seven year period.

These funds would be used to build a permanent building on the business property. Picklesimer said he was proud of this decision, as it helped an established business in the city.

“As a business owner myself, I remember the city that I owned a business in, they were always running and chasing new businesses but didn’t really offer anything for existing businesses to grow,” Picklesimer said. “I am glad that this council agrees with me, that this is something we should work to — to help our existing businesses grow their business.”

The Council also heard from Compact 2020 Director Alan Miller, who gave an update on the program in the county. Curriculum in local schools will help teach students about substance abuse and healthy versus unhealthy choices, while teaching them how to cope with anxiety and how to exit situations where they are faced with unhealthy choices, Miller said.

Addiction is a widespread problem, Miller said, and they are hoping that through the locally based and focused Chelsea prevention team, compliance checks and parent notifications, that they can help save lives from addiction.

Also at the meeting:

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