by AnnGardner Eubank
KILMARNOCK—The Kilmarnock Town Council on Thursday, June 27, unanimously adopted its 2024-2025 fiscal year budget totaling $17,517,963.
The new budget reflects an increase of roughly $5.4 million, which is mostly designated to fund the on-going wastewater treatment plant projects.
During a roll call vote, council members Curtis Smith, Alice Cooper, Mike Bedell, Les Spivey, Mae Umphlett and Rebecca Nunn all voted in favor of adopting the budget, 6-0.
Council additionally adopted a number of tax rates and utility fees.
As adopted, the minimum in-town water usage rates are $34 for 0-6,000 gallons for residential users and $64 for commercial users. Residential fees per 1,000 gallons after the first 6,000 gallons are $2.97 and commercial fees, $5.94.
The minimum in-town sewer rates are $106 for 0-6,000 gallons for residential users and $156 for commercial customers. Residential fees per 1,000 gallons after the first 6,000 are $6.63 and commercial fees, $13.25.
The minimum out-of-town water usage rates are $48.50 for 0-6,000 gallons for residential users and $93.50 for commercial users. Residential fees per 1,000 gallons after the first 6,000 gallons are $4.45 and commercial fees, $8.90.
The minimum out-of-town sewer rates are $131.50 for 0-6,000 gallons for residential users and $206.50 for commercial customers. Residential fees per 1,000 gallons after the first 6,000 are $9.94 and commercial fees, $19.88.
Council members Smith, Spivey, Cooper, Umphlett, and Nunn voted in favor of the water and sewer rates; Bedell voted against. The motion passed 5-1.
Council unanimously adopted a real estate tax rate of $.07 per $100 assessed value with effect retroactive to January 1, 2024. Those voting in favor included Smith, Cooper, Bedell, Spivy, Nunn and Umphlett, 6-0.
Council also unanimously adopted a personal property tax rate of $.16 per $100 assessed value, effective July 1, 2024.
Mayor Shawn Donahue praised town staff for all of their hard work dedicated to organizing and preparing the budget.
Council also unanimously re-appointed both town attorney Nancyellen Keane and town manager Susan Cockrell. Both staff members were sworn into their positions by county clerk Dianne Mumford.
Council will next meet at 7 p.m. July 15 at Town Hall, 1 North Main Street, Kilmarnock.
