Reward offered for arrest of bathroom vandals

Bruceton passes 2022-2023 balanced budget with same property tax rate

Bruceton aldermen passed a balanced budget on the first reading with no increase in the property tax rate at the June 14 meeting. The tax rate will be $2.20 per $100 of assessed property.

The estimated revenue that will come from property tax, fines, licenses and services is $1,101,277 with the total estimated expenditures being $1,091,159,

The Water and Sewer Fund which has to be self supportive shows an income of $1,397,627  and expenditures of $569,887.

A public hearing on the budget at which no one spoke was held at the beginning of the meeting.                                                                                                                                             The second and final reading is scheduled for June 28 at 5 p.m.

Town in good shape

Mayor Bob Keeton pointed out the town is debt free.

“The town’s obligations are paid off, including State Bonds, General Fund Obligations to the Water/Sewer Department and the capital outlay loan taken out with Apex Bank for the completion of the community room,” said the mayor.

He advised aldermen of the economic and town improvements and the financial stability position the town is currently in.

He pointed out some of the positive things that has taken place since 2014 and told aldermen they have done a good job.

Among the town improvements that have come about include the new fire station, community room and the addition of fitness equipment.

For the fire station, the town secured an over $500,000 a CDBG grant.

“This station not only benefits the town but the surrounding areas,” he said. “It now has an attached permanent helicopter pad for the Medical Emergency helicopters to use.

The community room is built onto the fire station and benefits the town and the surrounding area as a gathering place for social occasions and as a training facility for firemen.

As far as the fitness equipment, former San Francisco 49’s team member, Patrick Willis, who is a Bruceton native, donated it to the park last year, along with play equipment and a walking track.The town is in the process of procuring a structure to cover the equipment.

As far as financial stability, the town participated in a Federal Surplus Program that enabled the police department to acquire transportation, communications and general equipment while taking the monetary burden away from the tax base. A program has been initiated to refund the police department and provide 24/7 coverage while maintaining competitive salaries and benefits. There are now four officers.

Strong internal controls have been developed for finances and computers with Tennessee Code Annotated and the Open Records Act.

Procedures and policies will be continuously updated to allow for modernization of all facets of town government. The financial position of the town will continuously be strengthened that will allow for long term plans with ARPA funds to include paving, park renovations, demolition of derelict buildings.

The Water and Sewer Department will be undergoing major upgrades to water lines, sewer lines and modernization of the electrical control systems as part of the five-year Capital Outlay Plan.

Several economic improvements have come to Bruceton and have proven very beneficial.

The location of Casey’s Fuel and Convenience Store has benefited the town through increased sales tax revenue. The Dollar General Store relocated and has a larger store. People are liking the fresh fruits and vegetables and are shopping more at home, raising the sales tax revenue for the town. A long-term employer, Zline Kitchens relocated to Bruceton and now employs 45 people.

Ride Bruceton, a motorcycle repair center opened in Bruceton with Jack and Debbie Blocker becoming involved in the community. He is a member of the town board.

RAC Medical, a veteran owned business, relocated form Washington State and employs six people who make medical drapes. Junction Armory is a gun store that caters to all aspects of gun ownership. Skip New and Used Tires has relocated between the fire station and Little General.

Vandalism of bathrooms

The mayor noted that the bathrooms at the entrance of the recreation park have been vandalized recently. The doors were damaged and the tank lid was broken as well as damage to the sinks. More doors have been ordered and repairs are being made.

A $500 reward is being offered for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible.

There are plans to lock them and a key would have to be obtained to open then.

The bathrooms near the concession stand are kept locked.

Other Business

Former board member Renee Ford was appointed to the Industrial Development Board and the Zoning Board which terms expire in 2024.

A resolution passed that calls for the Nov. city election. The terms of aldermen Jack Blocker and James Butler are up as well as that of Mayor Bob Keeton.

The roof for the fitness zone will have to be rebid because there were no bids received.

The ordinance that amends the 2022 budget passed the first of two required readings.

Since the meeting was on flag day.

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