Waitsburg Council Gets A Look At 2012 Budget

WAITSBURG - The Waitsburg City Council is mulling over a 2012 budget that would not raise any rates, but would make some small reductions to maintain a status quo budget.

"It's on track with a typical budget," said Randy Hinchliffe, the city manager.

The budget is proposed at $2,353,609 for 2012.

The council did not vote on the budget last Wednesday, but it may approve it at the next meeting on Dec. 14.

Last Wednesday, a public hearing was held on property taxes, although no tax increase was proposed. Hinchliffe said raising the tax 1 percent, as legally allowed, would only bring in $1,400 extra.

"There's no need to take the 1 percent," he said.

The proposed budget includes changes to city employees' medical benefits. The city is changing the coverage to a cheaper and comparable plan, Hinchliffe said. Also, the city eliminated the fire chief's monthly stipend of $250, which will save the city $3,000.

The budget also cuts the budget for animal control in half and discontinues the prescription drug delivery program ran through Elk Drug, saving the city $600 a year.

The city attorney's pay would be based on an hourly fee rather than a flat fee, and the Walla Walla Sheriff's budget would be reduced to $31,000 as contracted.

Hinchliffe said there would be no major equipment purchases in 2012 and no wage increases for the staff members. Hinchliffe said the city will be monitoring what changes the state makes over the next couple of weeks to see if any more needs to be cut from the budget, as the city may not need to look further into reducing personnel costs.

"What the state does impacts cities and counties," Hinchliffe said.