Paonia adopts $4.1 million budget

At the Dec. 11 Paonia Town Council meeting, the trustees approved the 2013 budget that they had been discussing in a string of work sessions.

The total 2013 budget is $4,136,492.

Estimated expenditures for the capital improvement fund are $151,111, the general fund $807,069, the water fund $387,663, wastewater/sanitation fund $298,156 and the Conservation Trust $11,000. Total estimated expenditures are $1,954,999.

Estimated revenues and transfers for each fund show the capital improvement fund with $160,000, the general fund with $684,075 and a prior-year surplus of $613,138 for a total of $1,297,213; the water fund with $567,650 plus prior-year surplus of $709,269 for a total of $1,276,919; the wastewater/sanitation fund with $544,000 plus prior-year surplus of $826,930 for a total of $1,370,930; the Conservation Trust with $8,050 plus a prior-year surplus of $23,380 for a total of $31,430.
The 2013 mill levy will be 7.181.

Former Paonia trustee David Weber told the council a town manager was sorely needed. He said the employees are unsupervised and that has placed an unfair load on Mayor Neal Schwieterman. Weber indicated that the budget for the police department could be cut and the general fund could then support a town manager.

Trustee Eric Goold agreed that the town needs a manager. He feels the lack of a town manager has led to problems at town hall. His goal is for a town manager to be hired in 2013. Along with trustee Ross King, the two want the Department of Local Affairs to advise the town on wages for the staff.

Police Chief Scott Leon was singled out for his salary. He reminded the council he has worked for the town for 20 years in the police and public works departments. Over that time the various councils had approved his wage increases of two percent, one percent, and in one year, five percent.

Town clerk Barbara Peterson read her budget message for 2013.

"Paonia's local economy has been on the tail end of the national bell curve with regards to the recent recession. It took a little longer to feel the effects in Paonia and likewise, it is taking a little longer for Paonia to feel the effects coming out of recession."

The Town of Paonia is in good financial condition "despite funds being missed in the town coffers."
Peterson noted that there was an approximate 20 percent increase in police calls for 2012.

Among other public works projects, the storm sewer lining for the first phase for the Third Street repair was completed. The 2013 budget includes engineering for the second phase. Construction and repair of Third Street is projected for 2014.

In her summary, Peterson wrote, "The Board of Trustees continues to address the ongoing economic climate in a prudent, fiscally responsible manner. Future investments in infrastructure continue to be a challenge."

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