Weirton puts finishing touches on 2021-22 budget
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WEIRTON -- Weirton Council has put what it feels are the finishing touches on the city's budget for the next fiscal year.
Council convened in a special session Monday to hold the final discussion on the 2021-22 fiscal budget, which, if approved at the next regular meeting and cleared by the state Auditor's Office, would take effect July 1.
"This is basically what's going to be presented to council a week from today," City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo said.
DiBartolomeo emphasized numerous times the budget being proposed, which includes approximately $23 million in revenue, is only an estimate based on known factors.
Since council's last budget meeting, adjustments have been made, at council's request, to remove funding for three proposed new employee positions and for potential pay raises based on upcoming contract negotiations. The funding for those expenses is being moved into the city's contingency funds for now.
DiBartolomeo noted there is going to be a focus on equipment purchases for the city's Public Works Department for the 2021-22 budget, explaining the majority of expenses during the current fiscal year was because of COVID-19, and other departments have received regular updates to equipment and vehicles.
"We really went after what we need in Public Works," he said, noting vehicles, especially, are in need of replacement. "These things don't have 150,000 mile lifespans."
There also are plans to purchase three new cruisers for the police department.
Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell urged council to look into purchasing a new engine truck for the Weirton Fire Department, saying the newest truck the department has is 15 years old.
"I am worried about the citizens of Weirton; their safety and wellbeing," Connell said.
Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick noted the department has applied for a federal grant, which, if awarded, would go toward the purchase of a truck. Council also proposed the possibility of a lease-purchase. DiBartolomeo and Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich explained those proposals could be addressed at a later time.
Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh encouraged a multi-year plan for the fire department to track when updates are needed for the fleet and other equipment.
Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel explained formulating and following a budget is among council's top responsibilities, offering his thanks to Smoljanovich and DiBartolomeo for their work.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's a very good budget," he said.
Connell also expressed his appreciation.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twittter @CHowellWDT)