Before discussions on the budget began, the council heard from Tim Allee, Environmental Health Director with the Northwest Georgia Public Health Department.
Allee encouraged the city of Kingston to join Bartow County Animal Control.
Allee said from a public health standpoint it really needs to happen. He discussed the importance of rabies control.
According to Allee, there was a rabies case in Taylorsville last month. A fox entered a person's home and bit them while they were on the couch.
"It was a very unusual case," said Allee, "Usually it happens to someone in the wildlife."
"I strongly encourage [the city], if you are able to do so, to have animal control," he said. "It helps with leash laws and stray animals and also with public health concerns," Allee said.
Mayor Dexter Jones said it's something they will discuss at future meetings.
Meanwhile, the council went into an hour-long executive session to discuss personnel concerns. Mayor Jones wouldn't say exactly what the concerns were. However, on the agenda, there were a few personnel items including police department salaries. Also on the agenda was hiring Celeste Keeter full-time for treasurer, voter registrar and court clerk. Those items will be voted on at next Monday's meeting, Jones said. The council also will vote on the proposed budget.
Following are some of the highlighted items on the budget. Please note all items are not listed. A complete copy is available at Kingston City Hall.
General Fund
Local Optional Sales Tax $225,000
Alcoholic Beverage Tax $9,000
Electric $24,500
Insurance Premium Tax $37,500
Insurance License $2,750
General Business License $1,000
Garbage Collection Charge $53,000
Total General Revenues $482,800
Total City Revenues $661,700
Water Fund
Water Sales $180,000
Water Taps $3,000
Reconnect Fee $3,000
Total Water Fund $187,300
General and Administrative Budget
Council Salary $7,200
Mayor Salary $2,400
City Clerk Salary $33,000
City Attorney $5,000
Accounting and Auditing $12,000
Building Inspector $1,250
Office Supplies $4,500
Gas and Oil $1,500
City Hall Electricity $6,600
Total General/Administrative Budget $179,185
Public Safety
Police Chief Salary $36,400
Patrol Salary (two full-time) $48,000
Patrol Gas and Oil $6,000
Prisoner Cost $4,500
County Jail Fund $2,000
Total Public Safety $137,700
Public Works
Street Lighting $23,000
Cell phones $1,000
Animal Control $8,000
Landfill Fees $14,000
Gas and Oil $10,000
Total Public Works $119,700