“COLA” in Walhalla proposed budget

In two weeks, the Walhalla mayor and council will be asked to vote on a new budget that cuts overall spending by 1% from the current year—2013-14. At the same time, however, Chairman Tjay Bagwell of the General Government Committee says the new budget has been calculated to raise recreation department fees and sewer charges—the first sewer rate increase in 12 or 13 years, according to Bagwell. The sewer increase is figured to add up to $130 thousand dollars in revenue to the utilities department. The proposed budget offers a cost of living adjustment to city employees. And, responding to a question by Councilman David Underwood, Bagwell said no city employees will lose their jobs to save costs. Scheduled also in two weeks is a vote on an ordinance permitting sidewalk sales and consumption of beer and wine for permitted establishments as well as special events—such as those sponsored by the Greater Walhalla Chamber of Commerce. The city appears headed for a financial arrangement with the chamber. Under consideration is a contract that’ll pay the chamber $1,500 a month for service provided to the city.