Warren City Council began work on the 2023 city budget Wednesday with a meeting held by the Ways and Means Committee.
Attending were Chairwoman Dorothy Henderson and Alderwomen Memory Frazer and Emily Moseley, Mayor Denisa Pennington, Deputy City Clerk Teresa Sandine and City Treasurer Bob Milton. Bradley County Economic Development Corp. Chairman Dr. Bob Smalling and Bradley County Chamber of Commerce board member Tim Kessler also attended.
Top photo: Warren Mayor Denisa Pennington, left, and Alderwoman Emily Moseley discuss budget proposals during a Ways and Means Committee meeting. Photo by Tim Kessler.
Pennington noted that the city has about $900,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds available. Those funds are currently being kept in a separate interest-bearing account. In order to use those funds, the council would have to pass a resolution to transfer the money into the general fund. After that is done, the funds could be used as the council decides.
She said that under state law, the mayor must present a proposed budget to the council by December. The council then has until February to approve the budget.
Discussions were held about roof repairs for the Street Department and old National Guard Armory. Other repairs are needed at the city pool.
Department head requests were presented, as well as proposed contracts with BCEDC, Chamber, Bradley County Historical Museum and Area Agency on Aging.
A lengthy discussion was held on street repairs, with it being noted that paving costs have increased since last year. It was suggested that a master plan was needed for the repairs.
A Community and Economic Development Committee meeting is planned soon. Other Ways and Means Committee meetings will be held before a proposed budget is presented to the full council.