From the Jeffersonville News and Tribune:
For the first time in five years, the city of New Albany’s first quarter spending was less than the budgeted amount, Mayor Gahan touted Wednesday.
According to administration figures, the city used 23 percent of its 2012 budget through March. In 2011, the New Albany City Council appropriated almost $4 million to balance the budget after the state cut the city’s revenue to account for past shortfalls.
Gahan administration officials said that last year, the city had spent 30 percent of its annual budget after the first three months of 2011.
“When I ran for this office, I made a promise to the people of New Albany to make our city physically cleaner, financially stronger and fundamentally better,” Gahan said in a news release. “I am doing everything that I can to live up to that promise.”
The 2012 budget was approved by the city council last year at just a little more than $18.7 million, which was about $3 million more than the 2011 version.
This year’s budget was aided by a $1.35 million federal grant for firefighters and the award of the maximum tax levy for the city from the state. After consecutive years of shortfalls, the majority of the council in 2011 felt this year’s budget would be balanced, as it was passed with an 8-1 vote.
City Controller Mary Ann Prestigiacomo said she’s been working closely with department heads to ensure spending stays on track.
“We want to be responsible stewards of our taxpayers’ dollars,” she said.
http://newsandtribune.com/business/x733694661/NEW-ALBANY-CITY-WRAP-Mayor-says-spending-within-budget
