By Jacque Day
Murray, Ky. – The Murray City Council passed the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget last night at an $877,391 deficit. But the vote was not unanimous. Council member Greg Anderson proposed an amendment to reduce the city's allotment to the Murray-Calloway County Transit Authority from $25,000 to $10,000. Anderson's proposal sparked a heated debate. This is personnel/finance committee chair Bill Wells.
"I have seen the budget and they need the $25,000. I think they're doing it wisely. I think it's a big service. I'm guessing everybody here has a car."
Anderson's proposed amendment did not pass, though it did get four Yes votes out of the ten council members present. The council proceeded to approve the budget 8 to 2, with two members not in session. The budget, which goes into effect July 1, does not include a payroll tax. The deficit means the city will likely need to dip into the reserve coffers. At present, the city's reserve sits at nearly $2 million. To close the shortfall will take the fund to just over $1.15 million.