Scottsville passes reduced budget

The Scottsville Town Council on Tuesday night unanimously passed its budget for the 2010 fiscal year, which begins today.

Councilors were forced to adjust the budget amount to $616,670, down from the originally proposed $630,800, said Town Administrator Clark Draper.

The adjustment was needed after the council earlier Tuesday night voted down a proposed increase in the town’s meals tax, which would have generated an estimated $20,000 in new revenue.

The failed proposal would have increased the tax from 4 percent to 5 percent.

Scottsville finished fiscal year 2009 more than $47,000 in debt.

To adjust for the defeated meals tax hike and account for the deficit, the Town Council axed a planned Christmas parade and the special fall trash collection.

Other adjustments made were a nearly $1,500 reduction in estimated income from traffic and parking violations and a $5,000 increase in projected revenue from business licenses, in anticipation of business growth in the town.

A work session is scheduled for next Monday, July 6. Councilor Bebe Williams said the main focus of the session will be the Farmer’s Market building. Williams also said that he plans to discuss new ideas for raising revenue.