The East Point City Council got an earful Monday from upset residents urging the council to rethink next year’s $118.3 million budget proposal.
The bulk of the opposition to the budget came from residents concerned about increased utility costs. The proposal contains a $21 increase for water customers and a $7 increase for electric customers.
City officials maintain the increases are necessary to help make the utilities self-sufficient instead of utilizing general fund money to subsidize them.
“Do you think about the citizens? People haven’t had Social Security raises in two years and won’t get one next year,” resident Sharon Shropshire told the council.
The council is proposing to lower the millage rate from 14.75 mills to 13.75, but residents said the utility increases would offset any savings in property tax.
“Use your head to think about other sources of revenue. If you don’t, the citizens will fire you in November,” Greg Fann said.
The budget proposal is 22 percent more than last year’s $97.5 million, but only a 3 percent increase in operating expenses. The majority of the increase comes from implementing franchise fees on the utilities, debt service costs on water and sewer and increased wholesale power costs.
The budget contains nine new positions, including six police officers. Capital improvements in the budget include four police cars, two street sweepers, renovations to a recreation center and additional road improvement equipment.
Residents said the council needs to rethink its priorities and focus on the financial plight of many people living in the city.
“Where is your common sense degree? Y’all have failed us,” Jean Wilson said.
William Phelps said there is nothing in East Point for the residents and asked the council to change its vision or step down.
Since the budget process started, Mayor Earnestine Pittman has been a vocal opponent of it and said she was upset about getting new budget figures during the council meeting.
“We need hard copies to study before the meeting starts,” she said.
The final vote on the budget is set for June 20.
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