Ark Valley News - Bel Aire leaders pleased with passage of final 2014 budget

Bel Aire leaders pleased with passage of final 2014 budget
By Matt Heilman
Last Updated: August 22, 2013

In a scene that starkly contrasted what took place a couple of years ago, the Bel Aire City Council voiced excitement with the passage of its spending plan for the upcoming year. At its Aug. 20 meeting, the council unanimously passed the 2014 budget that actually calls for a slight decrease in the city's portion of the property tax mill levy from the 2013 mark.

The 2014 budget calls for a property tax mill levy of 45.754 mills, down from 46.162 mills in 2013.

The final budget comes without a need for cuts to personnel or services. The city implemented a combination of cuts and a tax increase in 2012 to set up better budget seasons over the last two years.

Bel Aire has also seen progress on the development front and is steadily chipping away at its land debt. The 2014 budget affords the city the opportunity to tackle improvements that have been on the city's wish list for several years.

Besides street repairs, the additional improvements the city hopes to tackle next year include the purchase of two new police vehicles, resurfacing of the Bel Aire Park tennis court, improvements to the baseball fields at the Bel Aire rec center and the replacement of a city-owned mower.

"There's a lot of excitement in approving the 2014 budget," Mayor David Austin said. "It's exciting to say this with a tax decrease. At the same time, we're taking care of all our employees and we're taking care of capital expenses that are so far overdue."

Also on Aug. 20, the council:

•Approved an appropriations ordinance in the amount of $276,654.67.

•Held a public hearing on the proposed assessments for public improvements on certain lots in Tierra Verde and the Central Park Third Addition.

•Approved an amended and restated petition for certain lots in the Central Park Third Addition, known as "The Landing."

•Approved a resolution for storm water drain improvements in The Landing.

•Approved a resolution for improvement of a main trafficway in the city.

•Approved an ordinance designating Central Park Avenue as a main trafficway in the city.

•Accepted a quit claim deed from CRK Properties, LLC for three lots in Elk Creek. The move essentially transfers possession of the lots from a bank to the city for $1. The city will now look to find a builder to construct homes on the lots.

•Approved an ordinance levying special assessments in the city.