While it was met with some discussion regarding a savings account, the Sharon Board finalized and passed its 2012-13 Fiscal Year budget during a meeting held last week.
That budget also came with a salary increase for city workers.
With every bank note out of the way for the City of Sharon, fire chief Gary Eddings requested money collected from rural fire fees be placed into a savings account strictly for the operating expenses of the fire department.
Typically the money is placed into the city’s General Fund budget. In years’ past, the money had been earmarked to pay the note for the fire station. With the note paid off, Eddings requested those funds be set aside to help meet the needs of the department as they arise.
As the funds are placed in the General Fund balance, they can be used for any needs the City of Sharon may have, according to alderman Jimmy Harris.
“I think Gary would agree to use some of his money if the city needed it and couldn’t pay for something,” Harris added.
City recorder Donna Stricklin noted MTAS said it was not good practice to set aside a separate account for the department.
In other news, Harris said he did not agree with a proposed $2.25 increase in garbage rates for the citizens of Sharon. Stricklin explained the increase was a result of rising fuel costs and the city had been “running in the red” in that line item.
The $2.25 increase would allow the city to “break even” with no increases from Barker Bros.
She added the City of Sharon had not increased water/sewer rates since 2008 and had not increased property taxes since 2006.
Also included in the new fiscal year budget was a three percent salary increase for all city workers.
Sharon Board members approved the $1,729,220 budget on its second and final reading Thursday. The first reading was June 14. Harris was the only alderman to vote against the proposal. The property tax rate for residents in the City of Sharon remain unchanged at $1.63 per $100 of assessed value on all real and personal property.

WCP 7.05.12