by Madison White Franks
KILMARNOCK—By a unanimous 6-0 vote, the town council on June 19 adopted Kilmarnock’s fiscal year 2017-18 budget. Effective July 1, the budget includes a general fund total of $2.9 million and a utility system total of $1.7 million for a total budget of $4.7 million.
Council member Keith Butler moved to adopt the proposed budget as presented and council member Michael Sutherland seconded.
“I want everyone to understand and to appreciate that we are putting in a $3 million park and we have this budget where your taxes have not gone up nor has your water bill. I think we have done a fine job,” said vice-mayor Rebecca Nunn.
Council members Betsy Crowther, Emerson Gravatt, Dr. Curtis Smith, Butler, Sutherland and Nunn all voted in favor.
Borrowing money
Following a public hearing where no one spoke, council moved forward on the issuance of general obligation bonds of the town in the estimated maximum principal amount of $2 million dollars.
The purpose of the bonds is to finance, together with other available funds, capital improvements to the Kilmarnock Town Centre Park.
“We knew we would have to borrow some money for the park,” said town manager Tom Saunders.
