By Jacque Day
Murray, KY – Last night, the Murray city council passed the first reading of the 2010-2011 budget with an $829,000 deficit in the general fund. But the vote was not unanimous. Eight voted Yes, and three, including council member Greg Anderson, voted No.
"I think we've come a long way from where we started and from last year, but once again it is an unbalanced budget, and once again I will have to vote No on that reason."
City finance director Alan Lanier says a significant portion of that deficit will come from the settlement with Murray city firefighters. At present, the budget contains a $500,000 line item to cover the settlement amount plus standard Kentucky Retirement System and FICA contributions. The second budget reading is scheduled for the next council meeting on June 10.