LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Yesterday afternoon, the LaFollette City Council met to discuss the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

One of the more notable items that had increased in the budget was the cost of fuel. In the fiscal year 2021, the City spent $133,356. They are projected to spend $227,500 for the fiscal year 2022, and the proposed amount for the fiscal year 2023 is $463,000. This is a $151,000 increase from the proposed amount in 2022. Another notable item on the budget was seasonal supplies, candy. In 2021, the budget reflected $748, 2022 projected $6,500 and the proposed amount for 2023 is $6,000.

City employees are slated for a three percent cost of living raise along with an additional Christmas bonus for employees who have worked 1,080 hours throughout the year on the upcoming budget.

The proposed budget does not include any paving projects for the city. However, Councilman Mark Hoskins suggested Public Works Director Casey Boshears make a 10- year plan for paving the 70 miles of city roads. He requested an evaluation on the roads to decide which roads need to be paved the worst and which roads could fall toward the bottom of the 10- year list.

The police department is slated to receive new patrol cars that will cost $115,330.

Charges for services for the city appeared to be down in the general fund. In 2021, the city received $430,892, estimated for 2022 is $388,230 and the proposed amount for 2023 is $393,650. This line item is for fees the city receives such as RV park rental fees, auditorium and room rent for East and West LaFollette buildings.

The council will meet to finalize the budget on Tuesday at 4 pm. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/24/2022-6AM)