Meeting on City of Ozark budget next Wednesday, what appropriations will there be?
November 06, 2008
There will be a working meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the city of Ozark’s budget. This will be an opportunity for city leaders to discuss the budget before it is approved, likely later this month.
This is also a time (if it’s anything like last year), to discuss which organizations will be appropriated monies for the upcoming year.
Appropriations have been an issue tackled by cities like Dothan recently. Some people believe it’s not the government’s job to take taxpayer’s money and give it to organizations. They believe it’s a person’s job to decide what that person will donate to, if the person chooses to do so.
Others believe it is a government obligation and huge money saver to donate to organizations like a Family Services Center or rescue mission or school, because the small donations of maybe a few thousand dollars eventually save even more thousands for what the city would pay for, say police security, if such organizations weren’t available to help people back on their feet.
There are also other appropriations officials list like a contract with Dothan by Design, which Ozark leaders say is far more valuable in connections and services than the amount the city pays for the service.
Other appropriations to be discussed could be to Vivian B Adams School, Ozark City Schools and the Chamber of Commerce.
Appropriations are some things that tend to fly by most citizens during budget hearings because they tend to be such a small part of such a huge budget.
In today’s economy, though, city leaders and residents have acknowledged that every cent counts, and how much the city gives to organizations that rely so heavily on the contributions will be interesting.
