March 16, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council Hears Discussion On Responsible Bidder Ordinance, Budget Talks Begin
DECATUR - It was decided that additional discussions will need to be held regarding a responsible bidder ordinance being brought forth for a Decatur City Council vote following a study session on the issue Monday night.
The Council heard from both supporters and opponents of such an ordinance during the meeting but did not come to a consensus as to whether such an ordinance should be crafted for the city due to the fact there was not a full slate of council members present during the meeting.
Council members who were in favor of bringing such an ordinance forward also expressed an interest in providing legislation with language which would be as fair and equitable as is possible to all parties who might be impacted by such an ordinance. Those members not in favor of bringing an actual ordinance forward expressed concern that such an ordinance might adversely impact qualified companies from doing work for the city.
There was no vote on the issue Monday night because it was brought forth as part of a study session.
In other business the council heard a presentation regarding the city's proposed budget for next year. The city has proposed a budget that is balanced and which does not call for a tax increase to cover what is expected to be a $3 million budget deficit next fiscal year.
Instead, a series of cuts and fund transfer’s have been proposed to help address the immediate funding problem while the city works to implement longer-term changes to help avoid similar situations as we go forward. The city has cut $1.2 million from city operations alone which, in addition to other cuts and funding adjustments would fill the expected budget gap for this year.
- Monday, March 16: 5:30p.m. - Budget Introduction/Overview
- Saturday, March 21: 8:00a.m. - Police and Economic Development Departments
- Monday, March 23: 6:30p.m. - Fire and Water Departments
- Saturday, March 28: 8:00a.m. - Engineering and Administrative (Finance, City Manager, Management Services, Legal)
- Monday, March 30: 5:30p.m. - Final Department discussion, funded Agencies and Concluding Remarks
For more information contact Billy Tyus at 424-2753.