The Messenger 10.03.12

By CHRIS MENEES
Staff Reporter
Hornbeak aldermen have approved the first reading of the town’s budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
The first reading of an ordinance adopting an annual budget and capital program for the year was approved by the town’s board of aldermen at its session Tuesday night.
For 2012-13, the proposed budget ordinance shows anticipated revenues from all sources — including current and delinquent taxes, non-tax revenues and proceeds from the sale of debt — to be $235,510 for the coming fiscal year.
A public hearing on the budget and a second reading will be held Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at Hornbeak City Hall, after the publication of required legal notices listing all proposed revenues and expenditures for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
The budget requires two readings before becoming final.
City recorder Joyce Truett said she and Hornbeak Vice Mayor Dennis Dozier spent a full day last week working on the numbers for the town’s budget. She had been delayed in the budget process while awaiting the return of the town’s books from its auditor.
In other action during Tuesday night’s 25-minute meeting, Hornbeak’s board:
• Was reminded a called meeting has been set for Thursday at 6 p.m. for the town’s annexation project.
• Learned there is an ongoing problem with dogs running at large in Hornbeak and some residents being chased or threatened by the unrestrained animals. Aldermen discussed various options for stopping the problem and Dozier mentioned possibly placing signs around the city to remind residents of the town’s leash law.
• Approved a resolution related to the town’s applying for a grant for an emergency generator for the water plant.
• Approved an initial resolution and a bond resolution authorizing the issuance of the town’s $78,000 sewer revenue and tax bond. Proceeds will be used to finance the construction of sewer system improvements and extensions for the town.
• OK’d payment to the Municipal Technical Advisory Service for web posting after receiving a letter indicating MTAS will be charging an annual fee for posting Hornbeak’s city code and charter on its website.
Aldermen Lynn Finch, Christina Gray and Debi Jerden were absent from Tuesday night’s meeting.