Bell : Budget, Fees Approved

The City Council on Monday approved an $11-million budget for the 1989-90 fiscal year, a 7.4% increase over last year’s. The vote was 4-1, with Mayor Ray Johnson opposing it.

Finance Director Steve Klotzsche said the new budget reflects nearly $500,000 in cuts, including positions for five city employees. Three of the posts were vacant, one employee was transferred to another department and one retired last week, he said.

The council unanimously approved two new fees that will add about $35 to the average annual residential tax bill.

A street lighting fee of $27.50 per parcel will pay for electricity bills and additional street lights. Revenue from a sewer maintenance fee will help clean the city’s sewer system. That fee was set at $7.47 for residences, $44.82 for small businesses and housing complexes of more than five units, and $74.70 for high-use commercial properties.