Fillmore fund transfers on hold

FILLMORE -- Two fund transfers to help the Town of Fillmore meet its 2011 budget are on hold until at least next month's meeting of the town council.

At Thursday's meeting, the board had final approval on the agenda of approximately $20,000 in transfers from several other town funds to the general fund.

However, council member Alan Jones objected to the $11,000 proposed to come from the motor vehicle fund and road and streets.

"I think the roads need it worse," Jones said. "As long as we take money out of it, we're never going to be able to resurface our roads."

With Jones objecting and councilor Wes Terhune absent from the three-member board, the move could not pass.

The transfers were originally proposed by CPA Ron Astin at the September 2010 meeting. Clerk treasurer Wanda Seidler worked with Astin on the matter, and reminded the council the money needed to come from somewhere.

"It's money that's just sitting there," Seidler said. "Given the circumstances, it's money that needs to be used. It's needed to meet the budget."

"We were cut $37,000 one year, and it sent us into a tailspin," she added.

Jones said he would approve the transfers from the rainy day, cumulative capital development and riverboat funds. Council president Jeff Osborn agreed and the matter passed 2-0.

However, Jones said cuts would have to be made elsewhere or the other two councilors would have to outvote him for the other transfers to be made.

Seidler suggested the board plan for budgeting for upcoming years.

"You need to do budget workshops starting in the summer," she said.

Osborn and Jones approved the 2011 salary ordinance with no changes from 2010. Town salaries were set as follows:

* Clerk-treasurer: $19,228 per year

* Marshal: $15,000 per year

* Deputy marshal: $10,500 per year

* Utility operator: $28,851 per year

* Water operator: $6,000 per year

* Council: $5,931 per year

* Mower: $20 per mowing

* Deputy clerk: $10.50 per hour, not to exceed 12 hours per week

* Cleaning: $20 per cleaning

Osborn commended his fellow council members for giving part of their salaries back to the town to help the budget.

"For the record, Alan and Wes have both waived their portion of salary from water and sewer. I have not been in a position to do that, but I commend them for doing so," Osborn said.

The funds each councilor returns puts approximately $4,000 back in the accounts.

In order to simplify Seidler's work, the council voted to move all the town's accounts to First National Bank. Currently, the town's nine accounts are divided between Old National Bank and First National.

Additionally, Osborn opened the meeting by commending two of the town's employees for their hard work, thanking marshal Darrel Bunten and utility operator Joe Cash.

"I want them both to be commended because they both do an excellent job," Osborn said.