Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Hoping to pass their operational budget after the second reading of the ordinance, members of the Lynch City Council failed to accomplish that goal after disagreeing on proposed raises for city employees.
In a special called meeting on Thursday, where only four out of six council members were present, a motion was made by Carl Collins and seconded by Taylor Hall to table the approval of the city’s budget until all six council members can voice their concerns.
“If you look at the budget — it’s tight, especially on wages,” said Mayor Johnny Adams.
He said 40 percent of their budget is going to wages now.
“I’ve held off hiring another maintenance worker because of such a tight budget — trying to save a little money,” Adams said. “If it weren’t for grants we couldn’t make it.”
Adams said they now have four maintenance workers with one of those employees on workman’s compensation.
“The only thing I can say is until we can get a better handle on this and all the council come together to come up with a rate increase for all the employees, especially the ones we discussed last month — people passing these Class III sewer and water plant certifications,” said Collins. “We’ve just got to get a handle on this if it’s that tight.”
Adams said the only way he sees giving raises is “to reduce the maintenance workers to three and come up with some more money somewhere.”
“I don’t think four council members is representation enough to discuss and approve the budget,” said council member Stanley Sturgill. “I think we need a full vote to bring all this up. We’re looking at running this city.”
In other council action:
*Passed a resolution of support and acceptance of efforts by the Kentucky Adventure Tourism in its efforts to promote the cities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch in becoming a trail town designation.
*Approved a resolution of mitigation measures from the environmental report for the old Lynch firehouse grant project.
*Held the first reading of the city’s sewer use ordinance.
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com
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