Austin City Council holds hearing on proposed 2025 budget, request for rural development loan, and the purchase of a new trash truck

By Sharon Estep

At their Tuesday, September 10 meeting, the Austin City Council proposed the 2025 budget. No one in attendance objected. The budget estimate is as follows:

General = $1,347,008. Maximum estimated funds to be raised (including appeals and levies exempt from maximum levy limitations) = $714,289. Current tax levy = $619, 521.

Police Pension = $125,056

Local Road & Street = $41,000

Motor Vehicle Highway = $203,996

Park & Recreation = $36,000

Cumulative Capital IMP (Cig tax) = $0. Maximum estimated funds to be raised (including appeals and levies exempt from maximum levy limitations) =$30,205. Current tax levy = $30,205.

Sanitation = $485,901. Maximum estimated funds to be raised (including appeals and levies exempt from maximum levy limitations) =$82,900. Current tax levy = $146,976.

Total budget estimate = $2,238,961. Maximum estimated funds to be raised (including appeals and levies exempt from maximum levy limitations) = $827,394. Current tax levy = $796,702.

Following this meeting any ten or more taxpayers may object to a budget tax rate, or tax levy by filing an objection petition with the proper officers, not more than seven days after the hearing. The meeting to adopt the 2025 budget has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 at 5 p.m. at Austin City Hall.

Clerk-Treasure Chris Fugate discussed the USDA grant/loan assistance for the proposed upgrades to the sewer and asked to allow to seek funds. Public comment was welcomed with one in attendance asking about the payback and how that works. City attorney, Josh Stigdon replied stating that it partly will be repaid but at a much lower rate. The USDA grant/loan will support existing sewer upgrades to sewer lines, pump stations, and improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. The proposed project is intended to serve all ratepayers of the City of Austin with sanitary sewage utility, improve the quality of life for residents, enhance public safety, and support economic development. Fugate said hundreds of new homes have been built – and planning to be built - in Austin. With that said, upgrades to the sewer system are needed.

Scott County Community Foundation Director Jaime Toppe and Dr. Melissa Fry, Director of Applied Research and Education Center with Indiana University Southeast approached the council with the importance of quality early childhood care and education. The pair have been traveling around Scott County meeting with leaders and urging them to do what they can to increase the access to quality care and education to children ages birth to 5 years. For the complete story pick up a past edition of The Scott County Herald.

A proposal to purchase a new garbage truck to reduce manpower and improve efficacy was discussed by Fugate. Every household would receive a free 6-gallon trash can that the new truck could pick up using an arm. That would reduce manpower from 3-5 workers per truck, to just two. This would allow for workers to be utilized elsewhere. A special arm would be needed on the back to be able to pick up dumpsters. This purchase would raise the trash rates. Fugate said, “it's just for consideration, tonight.” Numbers and more information are still needed before a vote is taken.