Following a public hearing Monday morning, December 4, the Jena Town Council officially adopted their 2024 Budget that continues to increase in part due to higher sales tax collections.
The public hearing and adoption were part of the Council’s monthly meeting at the Jena Town Hall. The proposed budget had been on public review since it was introduced during last month’s meeting.
The budget totals $9,633,416.00 in total revenue; $5,776,636.22 in operating expenses; and $5,496,975.00 in capital improvements, for a deficit of $381,760.22.
The budget shows the general fund with $1,859,226.00 in revenue; $1,750,186.22 in operating expenses; and $108,675.00 in capital improvements.
The utility fund has $6,363,190.00 in revenue; $2,232,950.0 in operating expenses; and $5,388,300.00 in capital improvements.
The sales tax fund has $1,411,000.00 in revenue; $1,793,500.00 in operating expenses; and nothing in capital improvements.
Many projects and improvements are allocated within the budget all with improving the overall condition of the town.
Mayor LaDawn Edwards and the entire council noted that many hours were spent constructing the budget and making sure every part of the town was appropriately funded.
Also at the meeting, the Council voted to move their first meeting of the new year to January 8, 2024, in light of the January 1, 2024 holiday. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.
In other business, Jeffery Benson presented the monthly fire report and noted that the department is starting to receive much needed equipment that was purchased through grants recently.
“We haven’t gotten it all in yet but what we do have we love,” Benson informed the Council. “Thank you for helping us get this.”
For the month of November, the department responded to two structure fires, one grass fire, one powerline/electrical fire, one electrical fire, one tree fire-lightning strike fire, one brush fire, one vehicle fire, and one fire alarm.
Town Superintendent Ronny Steele reported that with the cooler weather, water usage for the town has decreased significantly from the previous month, noting that a total of 17,675,000 gallons of water was produced with a daily average of 589,167 gallons. This resulted in a decreased of usage from October to November of 15.8%.
“We also had 11 water repairs this month and three sewer issues,” Steele reported. “There were two gas leaks repaired and six gas meters were replaced or installed.”
The Superintendent also updated the Council on the large Water Sector grant the town learned they were recipients a few months ago. He noted that town engineers are continually working on the plans and preparing them to be submitted to the Department of Health and Hospitals for approval. He said the plans should be submitted before February 2024.
In the submitted police report, it was noted that for the month of November the Jena Police Department made two arrests, issued six citations, had one vehicle assistance, worked six vehicle accidents and responded to 112 complaints.
For November, the department collected $1,213.00 in fines and other fees.
During the Mayor’s report, Edwards said the annual Jena Senior Citizens Christmas Supper was a huge success, although they were about 30 fewer people that attended this year from last year.
“We feel this was because the Jena Giants’ football game was the same night and many went there,” she said. “But the food was delicious and I want to thank everyone who had a part in making this a success.”
Speaking of the Jena Giants, Council Member Lester Francis offered his congratulation to the team for a great year.
“We are very proud of each player,” he said. “They made history. They have a bond like I’ve never seen, especially this senior class.”
He continued to note how thankful he is that Head Coach Jay Roark is at the helm of the Giant program.
“Coach Roark teaches them the best on and off the field,” he said. “He’s a great guy and I don’t know if we could replace him.”
All of the members of the Council and Mayor offered their congratulations as well.
