Ward Redistricting, Budget on Tap for City Council

At its first meeting in June, the Cartersville city council is expected to eye ward redistricting and a new ward boundary required by the population distrubution results of the 2010 Census.

Officials say the proposed new boundaries will not change significantly from the existing map. The city hired a consultant and has been working on redistricting for some time, but Thursday residents will get a chance to speak on the issue during a public hearing and first reading of the ordinance.

Another public hearing likely will take place during the June 16 city council meeting and leaders could vote on the new boundaries. Those new lines could change which councilmen residents vote for in November, but only if the Justice Department preclears the changes by Aug. 28.

Budget Talk on the Agenda

The council also is tasked with deciding whether to adjust employee salaries. A recent study found the city is under the market in what it pays workers.

Staffers have presented two scenarios to leaders, both of which include hiring 14 new employees, including 12 firefighters to staff the city's new public safety headquarters and fire station.

Finance officials say increases in employee salaries would be absorbed by higher revenue estimates and lower expected expenses during fiscal year 2011-2012, but the overall budget would increase by $15 million over last year, mainly due to increased capital expenditures.

If approved by council, salary increases would account for a little less than $1 million more in expenses. Either with or without salary increases, property taxes are not expected to increase and services are not expected to decrease.

Officials are eyeing increasing water and sewer rates, but say it would be a small hike and the city's utility rate would remain at or below comparable rates charged by other private and municipal entities.

See the .pdf attached for more information and for other items on the agenda.