2017 City Budget Approved

But Not Without Disagreement

By Carol Arnett

The Florissant City Council passed a bill approving the budget for fiscal year 2017. The city’s fiscal year starts on Dec. 1. Several members of the council acknowledged that there had been disagreement during their budget discussions and work sessions, but praised each other for ultimately coming to a consensus.

“We’ve worked through this budget process very well,” Councilman Tim Lee said. “There were things we agreed upon. There were things we didn’t agree upon and we compromised. This is a process.” He added, “I hope that we get a unanimous vote on this.”

Councilman Joe Eagan said, “We did have several budget meetings. I thought they were very eye-opening.”

“This is my eleventh or twelfth year voting on the budge. Every year it’s a work in progress,” said Councilman Keith Schildroth. ”Sometimes you don’t agree on everything, but we worked together this year. We got a very good report form Mr. McDaniel on where do we go from here.” Randy McDaniel is the city’s finance director.

“There are several items I didn’t agree with, but overall I think it’s a good budget and I’ll be supporting it,” said Councilman Jeff Caputa.

Councilman Gerard Henke said that throughout the process year to year, one issue is the declining amount of money coming in. “The hardest thing to do is say no,” he said.

“We’re facing many challenges, some of which are beyond our control. Some come from state or county,” said Mayor Tom Schneider in regard to declining revenue. He cited online shopping as causing a decline in sales taxes. He also said the utility tax was going down as people quit using landlines and switched to only cell phones.

The council also held second readings and votes on several bills, as well as one public hearing.

   In the public hearing, Crown Castle requested permission to add additional antenna on the existing tower pole at Grandview Plaza. The ground equipment would not change and there would be not change to the tower’s height. There was no opposition to the plan.

The council passed bills that authorize a rezoning for Raising Cane’s at 2710 N. Hwy 67 and a remodel of the Kentucky Fried Chicken at 2450 N. Hwy 67. The also passed a bill allowing the rezoning of property at 150 Washington to allow for Alexandria’s Cellar, a wine bar and restaurant.

The city also passed a bill authorizing the sale of special obligation bonds. These bonds will help finance the remodel of the former Dick Weber Lanes for new city offices and courts.

“To say it’s just a court building is kind of a misnomer,” Eagan said “We’ve been housing our courts in a gymnasium. By using this as a dual purpose facility, we’ll be spending the people’s money in a wise manner.

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