First Posted: 6/11/2012
The City of Rockingham’s spending plan for the new fiscal year will be discussed when the Rockingham City Council holds a budget hearing during its regular meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. today.
Setting privilege license fees for Internet cafe-type businesses (computer gaming) will also be considered at the meeting, which is held at Rockingham City Hall, 514 Rockingham Road.
The city’s current budget year ends June 30. The proposed general fund budget for 2012-2013 amounts to $8,858,924, an increase of $221,591 over the 2011-12 general fund budget of $8,637,333.
City Manager Monty Crump has described the new budget — which would take effect July 1 — as “extraordinarily conservative,” and consistent with recent years.
The proposed budget keeps the city’s tax rate right where it is; .48 cents per $100 of valuation. That rate is expected to bring in revenue amounting to $3,043,469 in the coming fiscal year.
The new fiscal year will see an increase in the monthly cost to households for garbage service, from $14.50 to $15.50.
Water and sewer rates will also rise 5 percent in the new budget year. The water and sewer revenue and expenses are in a separate budget from the city’s overall general fund budget.
A budget report from Crump notes that 131 full-time positions are fully funded in the new budget, and for the first time in four years the proposed 2012-2013 budget contains a cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, amounting to a 3 percent pay raise.
Other agenda items include:
• A request to set a public hearing to rezone about 4.2 acres on the southeast corner of Old Cheraw Highway and Spring Street from Highway Business (B-3) to Residential Mill Village (R-7A).
• Consideration of a demolition ordinance for the dilapidated dwelling at 116 Zion St.; and another at 107 Zion St.
• Presentation of a certificate to police officer Marcus Ricks for completion of the NC Justice Academy Traffic Enforcement & Investigation Certificate Program, by Police Chief Billy Kelly.
• A public hearing to receive citizen input for a Community Development Block Grant application under the 2011 Infrastructure South Street project in East Rockingham.