Peabody needs to sort out budget, councilman says
Staff writer
A discussion about sewer and water rates at a Peabody council meeting Tuesday turned into a more dramatic conversation about city finances and government structure.
The city unanimously voted to increase base sewer and water rates to $35 each, plus a water surcharge of $10 per thousand gallons. The increase will take effect July 1.
Council members Kevin Burke and Julia Ensminger both voted yes to the change, but each was hesitant to do so.
“How is this going to affect our community?” Ensminger said. “What about people now who can’t pay their bills?”
Mayor Catherine Weems said residents who use a lot of water would save with the reworked rates, as they would no longer be paying sewer charges for the water they used.
“Your utilities should be generating revenue for the city, so you don’t have to levy as much tax,” she said.
Burke questioned Weems on what he regarded as a lack of transparency in the city’s budget.
“I don’t like the idea that you, as the mayor, have control over the budget, over the bills, and that none of us do,” Burke said. “I just want everyone on the council to be more involved.”
He asked that line items be included in budget reports received by the council.
“I’m just as frustrated as you, Kevin,” Weems replied.
She said the budget would become clearer with the hiring of a city clerk. The city has been trying to hire one for over a month.
Weems has been performing the duties of a city clerk since Rayna Crawford resigned from the role.
“I don’t like even being close to any of this,” she said.
Burke continued to prod the council, contending that there was extra money in the city budget.
“I’m convinced there has to be money,” he said. “If police cars are not being moved, if public lights are not being turned on… there’s gotta be some extra there. If there’s not, then where did it go?”
Burke said the city could be doing more to save money.
“We lost our police officers [after] we had purchased new vests.” he said/ “Did we keep those vests, or did they go with the officers?”
Weems said that one was kept by the city, and one was purchased by the officer’s new department for 90% of the cost.
“I don’t think questions are pointed at you,” Ensminger said after the situation had mellowed out somewhat. “It’s just information for us.”
Weems said she would ask the Loyd Group, an accounting firm, to meet with the council about budgeting.
In other city business, a youth baseball tournament will be coming to Peabody this summer, resident Jim Philpott announced.
The Babe Ruth State Tournament will include 8-10 different teams. Youth ages 13 to 16 will be able to compete.
“We’ll be putting up some flyers around town, too,” Philpott said.
Philpott asked if small-scale camping would be possible in the park and if he would be able to light fireworks at the event’s opening night.
Councilwoman Linda Martinez motioned to allow opening night fireworks, pending appropriate weather.
Kevin Burke seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Philpott said HUB Youth Center would manage concessions for the weekend.
“Anything left over, we’ll donate it to the Hub for their fundraiser,” he said.
“All these expenses are on you?” Burke asked.
“Yes,” Philpott said.
Finally, the council are interviewing candidates this week and the next for their city clerk and police chief position.
The public will have input in the hirings, Weems said.
“We’ve got a lot of good candidates,” Weems said. “Here’s hoping we find the right one for us.”