City begins budget talks

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        A 3% pay raise for city employees has been proposed for next year’s Washington City Budget.

        The Washington City Council met as a Committee of the Whole last evening to talk about the 2020 budget.

         The Washington Times Herald  reports that there will be an increase next year of $200,000 to $400,000.    This year’s spending was 12.2 million and next years will be closed 12.5 to 12.6 million.  The newspaper says that increase is mostly going to payroll, not because of salary increases but because of an extra pay period in 2020.  Officials explained that normally there are 26 pays, 2020 will have 27 which means around a $200,00 more.

        Officials also explained that the Business 50 rebuild will have insignificant impact on the budget.  State money and the bond the city sold are covering it.  The project will affect the Tax Increment Finance District Funds which are used for these types of projects.  All three TIF Districts will put on money on the bonds to pay for the road but that is not additional tax money.