Council Amends 2012 Budget, Implements New Bill Payment Plan

LINCOLN — The Lincoln City Council voted to amend the 2012 budget at its Feb. 11 meeting. Aldermen also were told about changes at the Lincoln Water Department regarding payment of water bills.

The council voted 8-0 to amend the 2012 budget to have actual-to-date figures balance with budget figures, such as water connections were budgeted at $ 17,500 last year. The budget was amended to reflect an actual figure of $15,063; sales tax revenue was budgeted at $55,760 for 2012 but the actual figure was $58,527. The city’s General Fund total revenue was $961,942 on last year’s budget. It was amended to reflect an actual figure of $1,132,644.

Rhonda Hulse, water department manager, told aldermen a new way for customers to pay their water bills has been implemented.

Customers can call 1-855483-5729 to pay water bills at any time of the day seven days a week.

Hulse said a new meter reading program also had been added.

“If a meter reads higher than normal a call will go out to notify the resident,” Hulse said, adding this alert will help residents know if there is a problem and to contact the department.

Al Videtto, information technology director, explained changes that would save the city thousands each year if a switch was made to Verizon and Cox Communication from companies the city had been using.

Steve Parker, city attorney, said he would go over old contracts to see if the city is bound by any of them before a switch is made, as well as review new contracts.

Council members voted unanimously in favor of Parker going over all contracts and switching to companies offering a larger savings for Internet and phone service.

Mayor Rob Hulse announced the resignation of Jeff Barnes, who had been responsible for the ball fields, and he suggested the city hire a full-time maintenance person.

“Jeff has resigned and moved out of town,” Hulse said. “He did an outstanding job and we hate to lose him.”

The council then discussed creating a full-time maintenance position for Parks and Recreation, with the person responsible for upkeep at the ball fields, empty city lots and parks.

“Five to 10 years ago we didn’t need a position like this but with all we have going on now, we do,” Hulse said.

Alderman Doug Hutchens asked about one person being able to keep up with everything.

Hulse said he believed it could be done.

“We would have to find someone who likes doing it, Jeff did,” Hutchens said.

“Yes, we want somebody who will take pride in the work,” Hulse said.

Aldermen were unanimous in their approval of creating the full-time position.

Hulse said advertising for the position would start immediately.

Hutchens reported tax revenue was down in December. The city sales use tax totaled $16,660.86, the library sales and use tax was the same amount.

The meeting was adjourned for council members to go into executive session to discuss personnel issues.

After about 20 minutes, the meeting was called to order again with Mayor Hulse announcing action was taken.

The council then approved promoting Diana Payne from assistant librarian to librarian of the Lincoln Public Library. Belinda Beasley a part-time library employee, will be given a full-time position.