Capital outlay budget reviewed at mid-year

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany city manager Billy Holson went through the city’s capital improvments budget, with the mid-term point in the fiscal year having passed recently.

The council  approved a five-year capital improvements plan along with the regular budget in March, which Holson explained would be adjusted continually as the city moves forward.

The plan includes future expenditures for the water plant, distribution system, wastewater department, streets, and other infrastructure.

“I’m very confident we’ll be able to keep putting more into the infrastructure as we go on, although there will always be unbudgeted repairs like the water pumps we’re having to replace right now,” said Holson. “Those numbers are always going to be moving around.”

Holson also commented that the city’s overall financials look good for this time of year.

Other Business

•Holson was give authority by the council to purchase a new vehicle to replace a pickup that is no longer operational, although use of existing vehicles will probably be shifted and the new vehicle used in the police department.

•The council was in closed session for about 30 minutes to discuss a police department personnel matter, but no action was taken when the meeting was reopened to the public.