GOOD HOPE, Ala. – The Good Hope City Council on Monday night passed its FY2020 budget. Good Hope’s general fund is $1.5 million with total projected revenues of $2.1 million. The budget includes several capital improvements and road projects such as the replacement of Doss Bridge and repaving of Gold Mine Drive and East Moehring Drive.
Mayor Jerry Bartlett said, “In six years, we’ve gone from just under $1 million to $2 million. I’m proud that’s happening and it shows we are growing.”
The City will have an estimated cash reserve of $718,000.
This year’s budget has a 3% across the board pay raise for city employees as well as the cost of full family insurance coverage for its full-time employees. A total of $378,000 in capital improvements is budgeted for the upcoming year, including a new roof at the maintenance shop, improvements to the senior center and several upgrades to the City’s park and sports complex.
The city council also faced the difficult task of declaring a vacancy on the council due to the passing of John Harris. Harris held Place 1 and with tears in their eyes, each member struggled as they voted yes to vacate his position. Councilwoman Susan Eller was then approved by the council to become Chairman Pro Tempore.
The council saw the first concept drawing of the new Municipal Park expansion created by St. John & Associates. The drawing included a possible splash pad, a pedestrian trail system and cross-country trails, a Scout complex, pavilions, playground and nine-hole disc golf. The concept drawing addressed two creek crossings within the park as well as additional parking.
While the drawing is a conceptual rendering and nothing is definitive yet, the council appeared impressed with the ideas and layout presented.
The next Good Hope City Council Meeting will be Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Click here to see a video of the meeting.
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