By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council began discussing its 2014-2015 fiscal year budget last week.
The council heard from Trussville Public Library Director Emily Tish, Trussville Parks and Recreation Director David Vinson, Trussville Fire Chief Russell Ledbetter and Trussville Police Chief Don Sivley last Tuesday night.
Tish said her budget is “straightforward.” She primarily discussed one open part-time position she needed to fill.
Vinson also said his budget for the upcoming year is “pretty straightforward.” He said his main item is a new recreation supervisor position, which he hopes to fill soon.
“I think we’ve done real well with our budget this year,” Vinson said.
Vinson also discussed the need for air conditioning systems at both gyms at the Trussville Athletic Center. He said the gyms are used year round by various sports and activities, and a new Trussville Gymnastics program that has 52 girls in it now could grow to a few hundred in time. Those classes are held at the athletic center.
“It’s really become a community center,” Trussville City Council President Buddy Choat said.
Ledbetter requested six new employees to staff a third ambulance, as well as new vehicles for Trussville Fire and Rescue. Councilman Anthony Montalto said the department’s budget “looks good.”
Sivley’s budget for the Trussville Police Department is “looking really good,” said Councilman Brian Plant. Plant said the council needs to discuss the possibility of re-forming the department’s K-9 unit at some point in the upcoming fiscal year.
No action was taken on the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget. More will be discussed and possibly voted on at the Tuesday, Sept. 23 meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Trussville City Hall.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.