The Knox City Council members, on the recommendation of Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston, passed the budget during their meeting this week. The budget is for $3.1 million and includes a 2% across-the-board raise for employees and officials.
Houston gave the Council some advice before the vote.
“At this point, once it’s been advertised, you guys can vote. Either accept it the way it is or you can cut, but you can not add anything to the budget at this point. You can’t go above what’s been advertised,” said Houston.
Houston suggested that the Council pass the budget and see where it goes.
“My suggestion is to accept the budget like it is. You may have to cut in the future. I think we should see what the State says and see if we have to cut anything out. We held this budget down pretty tight this time and I only asked for a one percent increase. I explained that the assessed values on the properties have dropped and our revenues coming in have dropped so we’re kind of in a tight spot but my suggestion is to accept the budget as it is.”
Also discussed was adding a new patrolman to the police force. Mayor Rick Chambers said the 8th police officer probably would not be added until next year.
