Plains preliminary budget reviewed

The Plains preliminary budget was the topic of Monday evening’s two public meetings at City Hall.

However, the second meeting was devoid of any public attendance. 

Town Clerk, Cathy Emmett, commented, “Nobody ever comes to these things. They don’t come to voice their opinions or even inquire about the budget. I wish people would.” 

During the first meeting, Mayor Joel Banham proposed an addition to the preliminary budget. Banham suggested that the town start a wellness program for the town employees at a local fitness center.  

“I have been sitting on that thought for three or four months,” he said. “We have two police officers that are doing it. We want our police officers in shape. I would love it if our Public Works people did it.”  

The town would pay a percentage of the monthly gym fee. Banham said the employees would be reimbursed if they attended the gym at least eight times per month. The fitness program, if added to the budget, would be for full-time employees. Banham said the proposed fitness program would cost around $1,200 per year. The town currently has 10 employees; seven full-time and three part-time.  

The 2024-2025 preliminary budget shows revenues outpacing expenditures for the fiscal year. This is a trend the town officials have accomplished for several years. 

The evening’s second meeting was for council members to vote on the preliminary budget. Council members Connie Foust, Lana Dickens, John Sheridan and Chad Cantrell, via phone, were in attendance. The budget, in its current state, was unanimously approved.  

The meeting lasted under five minutes.