By Staff
From staff reports
Sept. 25, 2002
Meridian city councilmen plan to meet Friday to discuss the city's $86 million budget for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.
Mayor John Robert Smith called the special council meeting "for the purpose of discussion and possible action" on the budget. The 10 a.m. meeting will be in the city courtroom at the Meridian Police Department.
Smith's move comes less than a week after councilmen approved the city's budget without a 10 percent increase in water rates that the mayor had proposed. Smith was reportedly out of town and did not attend that meeting.
City officials said the council action will leave Meridian about $790,000 short next year, money they had hoped to transfer to the general fund from the water fund to pay debts, hire employees and purchase new vehicles and equipment.
Councilmen approved the budget on a vote of 3-2. Councilmen Jesse Palmer Sr. of Ward 4 and Bobby Smith of Ward 5 said constituents flooded them with calls opposing a water rate increase.