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It's "crunch time" in the Purple City, Auditor Jack Regis Sr. told City Council members on Wednesday.
"We've got to increase our receipts somehow," Regis said.
He said there are three ways to do that: increase mayor's court receipts, increase income tax revenue or make cuts.
"I'm not saying there's going to be cuts immediately, but I'm not ruling that out," he added.
Regis estimated that General Fund expenditures need to be cut by about 15% in order to have enough carryover for the city to operate during the first quarter of 2024. He said that amounts to about $256,000, and that would be what he termed a "skinny carryover."
He asked council members and department heads for any ideas they may have to save or generate money.
"The money's not there," he continued. "It's not flowing in. We're spending more than we're taking in."
Regis noted that some city departments already have used 40-42% of their budgets for the current year and worried that those departments might not be able to operate beyond October if they continue to spend at that rate.
Adding to the financial burden was news that the roof of the Vigilant Engine Co. fire station needs to be replaced, at an estimated cost of $72,599.
Councilman Bruce Shrodes then asked about the balance of the permanent improvement fund. Regis Sr. confirmed it holds about $77,000 and asked that the fire department and safety director get additional estimates and look at all possible options.
Regis Jr. also reported that Kelly had struck a deal to sell a surplus vehicle to the Wheeling Police Department. He said the 2001 model ambulance was purchased from Monroe County and converted to a utility truck. He said the Wheeling police need a vehicle to carry a drone and other equipment.
Regis Jr. said the vehicle is valued at about $10,000, and the Wheeling Police Department would pay $8,500 for it. Council unanimously authorized the fire department to make the sale.
Council also heard first reading of an ordinance that would make changes to the 100% income tax credit that is granted to residents who work in other communities where they must pay income tax. At the April 19 meeting, Councilwoman Suzanne Armstrong had asked that Law Director Paul Stecker create an ordinance that would reduce that credit to 75% beginning in July, and further reduce it to 50% in 2024. At the time, Armstrong said it was estimated that setting the tax credit at 75% would generate an additional $21,000 in revenue annually, while reducing it to 50% would result in an additional $43,400 a year.
Following the first reading of the legislation, Councilman Robert Hunker made a motion to table the ordinance with a second from Councilman Jim Schramm. Following discussion that included a reference to upcoming finance meetings and Hunker voicing his opinion that the measure should not be approved, members voted 6-1 to table the measure with Hunker, Schramm, Shrodes and James Agnew, Tom Burns and Rick Rodgers in favor and Armstrong opposed.
Council also voted to pay Erb Electric for installation of new ball field lights at a cost of $25,000. Working in conjunction with the Martins Ferry Civics, the city obtained a grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that will reimburse the city $18,750 of that amount, and council agreed to "forgive" the remaining $6,250 in support of the Civics and "for the kids."
In other matters, interim Police Chief Jerry Murphy reported on department activities in April. He said dispatchers received 770 calls, 658 of which were related to police business. As a result, 38 criminal cases were generated with 19 investigations. He said 41 mayor's court citations were issued, while officers made 210 traffic stops.
Richard Hord of Virginia Street was the only resident to speak during the public participation portion of the meeting. He thanked city leaders for their support in arranging a town hall-style meeting of the Belmont County Board of Commissioners, to be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Recreation Center. Hord also noted that the James Wright Poetry Festival, held Saturday at the Martins Ferry Public Library, was well attended.