At a budget workshop Tuesday, the Paradise City Council agreed to remove a $5,000 donation to the city’s fire department in the next fiscal year.
”We agreed to pay their $7,500 insurance and take out the $5,000, and that’s still $2,500 more than what they had been receiving,” Councilman Roy Steel said. “We had taken it out of last year’s budget. I don’t know how it got back in there.
“I’ve got nothing against them – those people are my lifesavers,” he continued. “What I am against is that this was out and then the next time I see it, it’s back in there. Anytime our budget is done, you take donations away first and focus on things like roads. To make people mad, let them have bad roads. They’re going to be knocking on your door.”
Councilman Bill Schneck added: “I was under the understanding that in lieu of that donation, (Chief John Neal) would rather see us cover his insurance. I never understood them to get both.”
Councilman Bob Gayan agreed and added: “I don’t think the taxpayers of Paradise should be supporting the fire departments so much more than the surrounding area,” he said. “I think the fire department needs to get out there and be a little more active and raise some money.”
Steel suggested a boot drive or letter campaign.
“I would donate in a minute,” he said. “At my age, I’m a fool if I don’t donate.”
During the workshop, the council also outlined a $181,200 budget. Its projected revenues include:
- sales tax – $67,500
- electricity franchise fees – $28,000
- gas franchise fees – $3,500
- phone franchise fees – $600
- Internet antenna franchise fees – $600.
Budgeted expenses include:
- debt repayment – $24,000
- economic development corp. – $23,000
- road repairs – $15,000
- annual audit – $7,500
- electricity – $6,000
- building inspector salary – $6,000
- mowing – $3,500
- phone – $2,000
- postal expenses – $750
At another budget workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at City Hall, council will discuss the city secretary’s salary and will look into hiring a resident deputy.
“If we get a resident deputy, we will have to reinstate a municipal judges and the attorney’s fees will go up,” Moody said.
