By: Tim Kays
The COVID pandemic of 2020 has caused belt tightening in the public and private sectors across the country, and the annual appropriations for 2021 set by the Bryan City Council on December 30 is a clear reflection of that trend.
Meeting in a special session during the noon hour, Council adopted a 2021 budget of $56,817,470.45, a total down 8.8% from the $62,304,449.26 total of 2020.
“I want to commend everyone in the city that worked very hard on this for the last month,” said Mayor Carrie Schlade, “…and also for (Councilors) Jim (Kozumplik) and Judy (Yahraus) for serving on our budget committee and spending a very long day in City Hall with us.”
The General Fund declined by 0.71% to $7,133,541. Significant reductions in the budget of $700,000 came with the South Williams Street Project coming off the books, as well as another $140,000 coming off the Industrial Park North – Paige Street Project.
Belt tightening at Bryan Municipal Utilities (BMU) saw decreases of 9.02% in the Electric Fund, 52.07% in the Electric Capital Improvement Reserve Fund, and 65.5% in the Water Capital Improvement Reserve Fund.
Capital Improvements dropped $245,000 to $2.1 million, but the Health and Life Insurance Fund grew from $3.195 million to $4.04 million, an increase of 20.91 percent over 2020.
Councilor John Betts said, “I’d like to also add my appreciation to Jim, Judy, the Mayor, the administrative staff, and all the city department heads on this budget. I went over it fairly well…and find that it’s a very good budget, especially with all the notable issues that have occurred this year and a lot of unknowns for next.”
“I’d like to thank the Council for approving our budget,” said BMU Director of Utilities Nathan Gardner. “I’m looking forward to working with you all next year. I think when we work together, good things happen for our community.”
In other actions, Council approved the updated salary range and classifications for 2021. “This year,” said Mayor Schlade, “…the non-bargaining employees will receive a 2.5% increase in their cost of living wage.”
Mayor Schlade congratulated and thanked Council President Betts for his service during 2020. “We appreciate the year that you have given to the city as Council President,” she said.
“In a year that largely consisted of a pandemic and the changes that created, especially with regard to operations and finances, you have engaged us and the public with concerns and represented your city well.”
“We appreciated your questions directed to us, as we always knew exactly where you stood. You were always transparent and you respected our positions, and in turn we greatly respected you. John, your laser-like focus to detail will be remembered for years to come.”
“It should also be noted that you are known for expressing your appreciation in forms of honey and pastries. Every department has benefited from your and Joy’s gifts and appreciation of our work. At a time when people aren’t always kind, you filled the gap, and we appreciate you and the year, as President, for City Council.”
Councilor will be presented with a plaque of appreciation at a later date.
Tim can be reached at tim@thevillagereporter.com