“It’s going to be a tough year,” Moulder predicts

The effects of COVID-19, compounded by an EF3 tornado, add up to a difficult financial year ahead for Seneca.  Scott Moulder, city administrator, made discouraging budget projections last night to the mayor and council.  The city budgets for 2020-21 are taking a hit.  The general budget is projected to be $500 thousand smaller; the utilities, $100 thousand less.  The collection of hospitality and accommodations money is forecast significantly less because of the impact to restaurants and motels.  Still, Moulder says he’s able to present balanced budgets that contain no tax or rate increases.  City employees should expect no salary increases and departments can expect little, if any, capital improvements.  Example:  the police will be allowed to replace two squad cars, instead of four.