news-record.com

GIBSONVILLE — The Board of Aldermen discussed whether to give town workers cost-of-living raises and other ways of paring down the proposed budget at a meeting Tuesday.

The board has considered cutting up to $418,000 in expenditures from the $4.2 million budget. Board members asked Town Manager Ben Baxley to come up with different budget scenarios and bring the information to the June 1 public hearing.

Cutting the cost-of-living adjustment to 1 percent would save the town $12,500. Removing it entirely would save $25,000.

Several residents spoke at the meeting.

Connie Bishop said she would like to know how town workers’ salaries compare to the average salaries in similar towns.

“What really strikes me is that very few people are giving cost of living (raises) in the current environment,” said Bishop, a former alderwoman.

Department heads explained their requests to the board. The town is considering 18 item cuts, including a backhoe for $80,000, an equipment storage building for the parks and recreation department costing $45,000 and five HVAC units at Town Hall for $40,000.

Police Chief Mike Woznick said his department could do without a $33,000 marked police car but needs a used, unmarked car for surveillance, costing $16,000.

Fire Chief Tony Roof said he needs a pick-up truck for the fire department. The vehicle, set up with sirens, lights and other equipment, would cost a maximum of $50,000 but could be much less, Roof said.

Mayor Lenny Williams said he wants to see an exact price.

Contact Jamie Kennedy Jones at 449-4610 or jamie.kennedy@news-record.com