Centerville’s proposed budget up from last year

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City Accountant Carol Harrison outlines the city’s proposed budget during a recent meeting Tuesday, May 5. (Brieanna Smith/HHJ)

CENTERVILLE — Money was the main topic at the City of Centerville’s latest meeting. Tuesday night, Council discussed the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2027.

According to City Accountant Carol Harrison, the proposed budget totals $17.8 million. The budget is an increase from last year’s of around $15.2 million.

Revenues are also up. General fund revenues overall are up by almost $1.1 million.

In the general fund, property tax revenues are up to $3.1 million this year, compared to $2.8 million last year. Other taxes were $1.8 million last year, and are $2 million this year.

Enterprise fund revenues are also up to $8.8 million, $1.6 million higher than last year.

Harrison said the budget accounts for 77 full-time and 16 part-time employees. The city is adding six more to the budget this year.

Mayor J. Micheal Evans (left) and Councilwoman Lisa Lowe (right), served on the budget subcommittee this year. (Brieanna Smith/HHJ)

Figuring out the budget, according to Mayor J. Micheal Evans, is a collaborative effort between Harrison, the budget subcommittee, the city administrator and department heads. Evans and Councilwoman Lisa Lowe served on the budget subcommittee.

“I was appreciative sitting on the budget subcommittee for my first time and hearing in detail what’s needed in our city to keep our city running,” Lowe said.

The proposed budget is available on the city’s website and by hard copy at Centerville City Hall. Public hearings are scheduled for June 2 and council will adopt the final budget on June 16.

Centerville Mayor and Council recognizes city clerk Lee Siefert during Professional Municipal Clerks Week. (Brieanna Smith/HHJ)

Council also took a behind the scenes job and brought it to the public with a proclamation for Professional Municipal Clerks Week.

The city honored Lee Siefert, who has been serving in the role for about a year and a half.

Evans spoke on the job’s importance; he and the council expressed their appreciation.

“They touch every facet, everybody who is employed by the city of Centerville, and many of the citizens and the people who come in to do business with the city. So I just want to let our city clerk know that we appreciate all that you do,” Evans said.

The 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week spans from May 3 to May 9.