$3.5 million budget

By MICHELLE WILSON

Staff Writer

Published Oct. 21, 1999

Brundidge City Council unanimously approved a $3.5 million budget for fiscal year 1999-2000 at its meeting Tuesday.

This budget will be in effect starting Oct. 1.Since a majority of council members were unable to meet last month in work session to examine the budget, they have had to operate during October on last year’s budget prior to the budget’s approval Tuesday, said Brundidge Assistant City Manager Norvell Ward.

"This is a framework with revenues estimated," said Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage. "Council has the right to change a little as we go.

"This budget is similar to the one we approved last year."

The budget did not include capital expenditures because they are made on a need and ability to pay basis, Ramage said.

The mayor said he thought it was a good budget and thanked council members and city employees for their work in putting the budget together.

Brundidge Police Chief Moses Davenport discussed his department’s war on drugs with council members.

"We have had great success over the year from January through November," Davenport said. "We have made 16 convictions for drugs and six felonies for LSD and crack-cocaine.

"There were five cases of recovered drugs and no charges were brought. We are working on our drug problem."

Council unanimously approved Davenport’s request to purchase a 1993 Crown Victoria for $25,000 from the Pike County District Attorney’s Office. The vehicle has 75,000 miles. With the measure, the council also agreed to sell two police cars it has in surplus.

"This is a good deal from a financial standpoint," said City Manager Britt Thomas.

In the City Manager’s Report, Thomas encouraged citizens to attend the Troy State university Parade Saturday. The city of Brundidge’s float is number 27. Area beauty queens and organizational representatives will meet at Walt’s Gym at 8:15 a.m. to board the float.

In the Mayor’s Report segment of the meeting, Ramage asked Brundidge families to celebrate Halloween on Oct. 30, which is a Saturday. Trick or treating should end by 8 p.m., the council decided.

Councilwoman Jaine Treadwell said trick or treating is for children only.