ENM Council approves 2013 budget

The Elko New Market City Council approved the city’s 2013 budget and levy at its Thursday, Dec. 20, meeting. The council held its Truth in Taxation hearing earlier in the meeting with no input from the audience. City Administrator Tom Terry explained the final draft of the 2013 budget proposes a levy of $1,784,945. This is an increase of $19,271, or 1.12 percent from the 2012 levy. It was noted that based on information from the Scott County Auditor’s Office the levy would result in an estimated increased tax impact of 2.4 percent, or $25 for the typical home. Terry said that compared to other area communities, Elko New Market’s budget and levy were lower.

Council vacancy The council fine-tuned the application process for filling a vacant council seat beginning in 2013. In this past November’s election council member Tony Gabriel ran unopposed for mayor and won. Two years remain on the four-year seat that he will be vacating.

The council’s consensus at its Thursday, Dec. 6, meeting was to appoint someone, rather than hold a special election. It was felt appointing someone would be a less costlier option.

The council’s qualifications for the applicant included that it should be someone who is compatible with the council and willing to be involved by serving as a representative on one or more of the city’s boards (Park Board, Planning Commission, and others).

Terry said they have posted the position, but have not received any responses yet. He noted that usually they see more action after the first of the year. The interview process will depend on how many applications they receive.

Besides filling out an application, the person will also have a background check done. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.

Mayor Jason Ponsonby asked if the city’s various commission members on the city’s boards had been notified. Terry responded not directly, but they could be. "It will be interesting to see how it plays out," said Gabriel.