LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – As June approaches municipalities are looking at finalizing budgets. On Thursday afternoon the City of LaFollette Council met to look at its 2021-22 budget. At this point, the city’s proposed budget is $15,454,527.

It appears the city will have approximately $33,157 in excess revenue from the 2020-21 budget year. Interim City Administrator Stan Foust suggested council utilize the excess funds to equalize wages of the administrative staff. Individuals in an administrative supervisory position would earn $15 per hour and administrative non-supervisory positions would earn $14 per year. Council also discussed a one-time bonus of $1,000 at Christmas for all employees.

Annually, each department submits a wish list for items it needs yearly. Last year’s wish list was fulfilled through a capital outlay note, and this year’s list will be fulfilled with funds remaining from the note. Items on the list are an F150 truck and equipment for the fire chief, $45,000; two Ford Explorers and equipment, $100,000, 18 body cameras, $4,500 and 18 printers for police vehicles, $5,000. Police Chief Bill Rhoel explained the printers would be used for issuing citations. The recreation department list consisted of paving for Liberty Park and the Recreation Center, $12,000, building at Seargeant Park, $6,000, windows for the old West LaFollette School, $10,000, two batting cages, $15,000 and water park renovations that Recreation Director Johnny Byrge explained were needed after 15 years in operation. The water park is beginning to have leaks, some equipment needs to be moved, the concrete needs to be re-poured and a shed is needed concluded Byrge. The final item on the wish list was for the public works department, a ½ ton four wheel drive truck with a price tag of $45,000. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/24/2021-6AM)

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