Johnston City Council Continues Budget Discussions Tonight

The Johnston City Council will be crunching the numbers again tonight.

Discussions continue on the 2013 fiscal year budget at the council's work session, which starts at 5:30 tonight at . 

During a , the council discussed 10 areas that could be adjusted to reduce the city budget by $539,561 and reach the goal of a $11.30 property tax levy.

However, the council found that several of those items were necessary to maintain the quality of life for residents in Johnston.

Items that were proposed for trimming included:

•     Eliminating a vacant communication specialist position - $92,000
•     Delay the hiring of three firefighters for the new fire station until Oct. 1     - $48,366.
•     Move traffic control and safety money to the road use tax fund - $53,500
•     Only pay the administrative fee for the West Help Program - $20,000
•     Reduce funding for the capital equipment program by $167,000
•     Reduce staff training and consulting for parks by $1,500.

At the end of the night, the council was back to a property tax levy of $11.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, said City Administrator Jim Sanders.

City officials were asked to find an additional $200,000 to reach the goal of an $11.30 property tax rate.

The regular council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m., includes three public hearings.

• Construction of the Beaver Creek including plans, specifications, construction bids and award of construction contract.

• Construction of the (Augustine Trail) including plans, specifications, construction bids and award of construction contract.

• Consider an ordinance amending the the zoning general regulations by adding bus stop shelters.

Additional agenda includes amending ordinances relating to solid watts, bicycle regulations and schools stops.