Components of a new Westminster budget

Tentatively, city of Westminster can project expenditures compared with revenues for a new year.  A new budget of about $28.5 million received first reading approval during the May meeting last night of the city council.  Commensurate with second and final reading next month, there’ll be a hearing to allow the public to comment and ask questions.  City Administrator Bronson’s explanation for a higher than normal budget is the inclusion of monies received by the city through the USDA and South Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority.  Further, it’s projected city council will be able to lower the property tax rate by three and a half mills.  The budget includes fee increase for utility taps and the penalty for late registration for recreation programs.  And there’s something in the spending plan for the city council.  For their part time duties, the mayor will see his salary boosted to $12 thousand a year and city council members’ salaries raised to $7,200 a year.  Those pay increases are to be effective January 1, to reflect the makeup of council following the next city election in November.