Our 2020-2021 fiscal year is winding down. While the pandemic has affected us all in some way, I’m happy to share that fortunately, COVID-19 has had very little to no effect on our municipal revenue/budget. Heading into July 1, 2020, City Staff and Council were conservative in our revenue and expenditure estimates because there was still so much uncertainty surrounding us. Thankfully, we exceeded budget in all our largest sources of revenue such as property taxes, business license tax, building permit fees, and hospitality tax. This is a strong indication that our local economy is doing quite well.
As we look forward to the 2021-2022 fiscal year which will begin on July 1, 2021, we are planning on holding first reading and our public hearing on June 3rd and second/final reading on June 10th. Highlights of the balanced budget City Staff will be presenting to City Council for adoption:
• A 2% cost of living adjustment for all eligible positions
• A 30% increase (approximately $300,000) for Employer-paid health insurance premiums as the City transitions to the State Health Plan
• No millage increase
• Two new Student Resource Officer (SRO) positions in the Police Department
• A Code Enforcement Office position in the Police Department
• An Accounting Manager in the Administration/Finance Department
• An additional staff person in the Planning & Development Department
• Replacement of $100,000 worth of aging vehicles in the Public Works Department
• Addition of a Maintenance Technician and CDL Driver positions in the Public Works Department
• 32% increase in the Sounds of Summer budget to fund a diverse group of entertainment and extend into the fall months
• Two major projects:
o Streetscape on Main Street from Jones to 418
o Construction of a new Public Works/Natural Facility
• Design and Construction of a stage pavilion at Commerce Park
Upcoming events:
• Farmers Market from May 22-August 28; Saturdays from 8am-noon in Commerce Park
• Fountain Inn Police Department’s Annual Golf Tournament on May 26 at Carolina Springs Golf Course
• Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Taste Inn on May 27
• Sounds of Summer from June 4-August 27; Fridays from 7-9:30pm in Commerce Park
Shawn Bell is the City Administrator of Fountain Inn. He is an ICMA-Credentialed Manager.
For more information, go to www.fountaininn.org, call 864-862-4421, or email shawn.bell@fountaininn.org.■
