Richard B. Taylor, CPA, Principal, Gross Collins, recognized the effective budget planning of Rockmart’s city council members during a FY 2009 audit report.

He informed the group that every area came in under budget.

“The City is in good shape,” he said.

Taylor focused on the work of Pam Herring, financial officer, and the recognition she has received.

This includes the Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Assoc-iation of the United States and Canada.

The award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Taylor said Herring has great financial expertise and lauded the mayor and council for their continued recognition by GFOA.

He highlighted several items:

During the past fiscal year, the City took in $2.747 million in taxes, $60,000 in license fees, grants and contributions of $110,000, fines of $167,000 and charges of $765,000.

Money spent on general government included $788,000, police dept, $1,0211,000, fire department $918,000, Public works, $1,032,000, recreation, $205,000 plus capital outlay for debt service.

The water and sewer fund took in $2,517,000, compared to $2,297,000 the year before. Expenses totaled $2,098,000, and the operating surplus was surplus $419,000.

During the meeting, the group heard comments from Lee Cummings and Roddy Austin. Cummings is in favor of keeping the alley from Jones Avenue to Howard Street open and Austin wants it closed.

Cumming said he needed the alley to enter his property from the back. However, Austin has purchased land that he doesn’t want divided by the alley.

Council members held lengthy debate on the issue.A decision was tabled until after the Planning Commission reviews the request.

In other business, council members voted to table proceeding with a resolution to procure a GEFA Loan (L13WS)- not to exceed $460,000 – for the Beauregard Well and water/sewer lines to serve the Rockmart Industrial Park.

Mayor Curtis Lewis also encouraged the group to consider stimulus funds to help pay for water pressure problems within the City.

Councilman James Payne asked the group to consider placing a new welcome sign to greet visitors entering the City. He also asked for sidewalk improvements, especially on Marble and College streets.