Berwick budget plans for walking trail extension

While the 2014-15 fiscal year budget has not been adopted, information presented at a Town Council workshop Tuesday anticipates expenditures of $5.2 million for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
On the revenue side, $222,513 has been added to the general fund for state grants for the extension of the walking trail from the top of the levee to Fairview Drive and a new walking trail on the levee that would start at Pharr Park and continue to the Atchafalaya River levee. Meanwhile, $350,000 has been added to the liquid and solid waste revenue for a state grant for sewer rehabilitation.
Estimated revenues are $6.6 million for the year, while total expenditures increased $787,923 from 2014 to 2015 to $5.2 million.
The town has forecast an excess of revenue over expenses of $169,000 during the new budget year.
Total budgeted capital outlay for the year is $767,346.
Among the capital expenditures anticipated in the new budget year are:
—$100,000 to overlay Pattie Drive from Berwick High School to Fairview Drive.
—$82,000 for sidewalks in Old Berwick, south of the railroad tracks.
—$95,200 to purchase a tractor with a mower.
—$32,000 to buy a 2014 Ford F150 for the police department.
—$8,400 for laptop computers in eight police vehicles.
—$15,000 to purchase six sets of bunker gear for the fire department.
—$10,000 to place radios in fire trucks.
Special projects included in operating expenses total $59,400 and include $5,000 divided between Fourth of July and Shrimp and Petroleum Festival fireworks and $45,000 for 200 water meters and 100 gas meters.
Councilmen Duval Arthur and Troy Lombardo were absent. A second workshop, if necessary, is scheduled for July 22. The budget is slated to be introduced at the council’s August meeting.