City proposes $3.4M budget

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany city council members proposed a budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year starting April 1 and set a date for a public hearing during their regular session on Monday, March 14 at the Aztec Theater.

Lester Galbreath made a motion and Austin Sherwood seconded to propose the $3,475,400 budget, which was reviewed by city manager Billy Holson at the February meeting.

A special 7:00 p.m. session was planned March 28 as a public hearing for the budget, which is expected to be adopted that evening.

The $3.475 million figure is more than the current year’s $3.1M starting budget, but Holson explained salaries for several additional employees are built in the new budget, with hopes of having enough personnel later in the year to complete some street repairs and other capital improvements.

Also, no donation projections are included on the revenue side. There have been about $585,000 in donations in various categories such as the Aztec, parks, airport, and golf course during the current budget year.

The budget must be adopted before the new fiscal year begins April 1.

Annual PD Report

Albany police chief Mike House briefly reviewed the annual racial profiling report, which he said is “in compliance” with required standards.

The report was approved by the council.

House added that he is interviewing a prospective new officer this week and hopes to have someone in place in the near future.

He also told council members that an investigation into several local thefts is ongoing, with progress being made.

Council member Don Taggart commended the police chief for his efforts.

Other Business

•With no opposed races, the city election set for May 7 was cancelled.

•The city’s emergency management officer, Carrie Holson, along with the police chief, will attend an emergency management meeting sponsored by the West Texas Council of Governments in Abilene March 24.