Auburntown Council meets

The Auburntown City Council met at 6:00 PM February 5, 2013 for their regular monthly meeting.  The Mayor and all councilpersons were present, including Janice Fletcher, who attended for the first time since being elected.  The Mayor welcomed her enthusiastically as this is the first time in a long time since the Council has had a full compliment of members.

The minutes from the January meeting were approved as presented by the City Recorder.

The financial report was presented and reviewed for any unusual or out-of-the-way entries.  Since there were none the report was approved.  The balance of funds ending January 31st was $35,341.67.

The owner of, "Smitty's Market and Hardware", addressed the Council and announced that his new store in "Bunt's" old garage would be opening for business the 18th or 20th of this month. 

The motion was made, 2nd and carried to reinstate Mr. Chris Blackburn as Chief of the Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department.  The Fire Department is actively seeking new members to bolster it's ranks by contacting Chief Blackburn.

The Mayor announced that he has had numerous contacts with personnel from the State of Tennessee regarding the new law concerning the financial requirements of incorporated Cities.  One of the requirements is a city cannot repeatedly spend more funds than they have funds coming in -- Auburntown falls within the latter category. To remedy our situation there has to be some, "Belt tightening" immediately. 

One of our big expenditures is garbage disposal -- dumpster expense.  The Mayor arbitrarily stopped the twice-a-month dumpster pick up in the city. He discussed other money-saving ideas that may result in the curtailing of services. The Council then discussed ways we may increase our income.  With the curtailing of certain services, and the improvement in income, it is foreseeable the City can meet the goal of, "Staying in the black", by the end of this fiscal year. 

Sponsoring Red Apple Day for 2013 was discussed rather lengthy.  Following the discussion the Council approved participating by supplying funds equal to but no grater than the expenditures of last year.

The Council adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.

Winfred Gaither,

City Recorder