City Council Meeting Notes: July 25

If you weren't at the City Council meeting, here is a quick rundown of the major actions taken or news presented at the meeting.

1. Fourth quarter financial report

Russell Treadway, Snellville city manager, went over the fourth quarter financial report. In the general fund, city revenue ended at about $10 million, which is about 101 percent of projections. These figures, however, did not include $290,000 set aside for street paving or another $84,000 for equipment purchases. Expenditures are at about $9.4 million, which is 95 percent of budget. A final fund balance is approximately $1.97 million. Treadway said this represents an improvement over last year.

The sanitation fund, the city's largest fund, had about $1.6 million in revenues, or 100 percent of projections. And, there was about $2 million in revenues, or 98 percent of projections. With a $389,786 transfer required from the general fund, there is a $26,000 balance in the sanitation fund. This also represents an improvement over last year.

"Once again, our department heads and staff have done an outstanding job in managing the expenses of the city," Treadway stated in his report. "They have managed to continue delivering quality public services in spite of ever-diminishing resources. We should ve proud of the dedication and commitment to public service displayed by our employees."

Despite Treadway's positive reports, at least two council members -- Tom Witts and Barbara Bender -- were upset that the city's balance of funds was much higher than they knew even a few weeks ago. They believe if they had known the city would have these kinds of resources at the end of the fiscal year, that the council could have voted to have an even lower millage rate than the 5.7 mills that Bender recommended, an been able to keep contention to a minimum.

2. Conditional use permit approved in second reading for church

New Jerusalem Baptist Church received approval to upgrade its church and grounds, located on 1.7 acres at 1958 Dogwood Road. The church plans to, in part, expand their facilities. The church has been located in the area since 2002, having moved to Snellville in 2005. The permit was adopted unanimously, 5-0.

3. Election set for November 8, 2011

In a 4-1 vote, with councilwoman Kelly Kautz opposing, the city passed a resolution calling for the Nov. 8, 2011, election. There will be an election for the mayor, and two council seats: Post 1 and 2. Official notice of candidacy must file between August 29 - September 2. The qualifying fee for mayor is $180, and for council members it is $120. Voter registration deadline is Oct. 11, 2011.

4. Voters to decide alcohol sales on Sunday

In a unanimious vote of 5-0, city council passed a resolution allowing for the SUnday package alcohol sales to be brought to voters in Novemeber.