BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week
OGDENSBURG — Ogdensburg City Manager Stephen Jellie’s draft budget proposal would increase spending on public safety, recreation and public works and cuts to general government support services.
The proposal calls for a near $1 million increase in total expenses from $15.5 million to $16.1 million.
The plan would need to spend $3.589 million in appropriated fund balance, that’s up from $2.4 million used last year.
Jellie told council that health insurance costs have risen 19% and would maintain staffing levels consistent with 2022.
He said the 2% property tax cap limit would allow the city to raise only $180,000 in taxes.
Jellie makes several recommendations in his budget:
• Establish a spending plan to eliminate the deficit and simultaneously plan for long –term sustainability
• Establish a funding plan for local match requirements in grants
• Create a multi-year capital plan which addresses the aged immediate and ongoing capital needs of the City buildings and infrastructure
• Establish a capital reserve for anticipated future financial needs and obligations
• Create a multi-year plan for additions/subtractions to/from this reserve, as applicable
Jellie is set to resign Nov. 4 and will be taking a job as Fire Chief in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. As part of his agreement with the city he will help prepare the 2023 budget, which leaves the city about one month to make changes before finalizing the spending plan.
The budget will likely change before it’s passed as several work sessions are planned over the next few weeks.
