Northport adopts $30 million budget

Monday
Dec 18, 2017 at 7:22 PM Dec 18, 2017 at 8:22 PM

By Stephen DethrageStaff Writer

The city of Northport unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2018 budget Monday night, a nine-month $30 million plan that includes a raise for all municipal employees and some increases in outside agency funding.

This budget is abbreviated because since 2010, Northport has operated on a calendar year budget. The City Council voted last month to return to a fiscal year format to better align with the agencies and other governments with whom they work.

City Administrator Bruce Higginbotham said it was challenging but worthwhile to make the switch and that the budget result looks good, with increases in revenue from sales tax, property tax and business licenses.

In other action, District 3 City Councilman Rodney Sullivan presented a check for more than $4,500 to the Tuscaloosa County Department of Human Resources from funds raised during the city’s fourth annual Twas the Night Before Christmas 5K race.

Sullivan said the race, which was run on Dec. 1, drew more participation and raised more money than anything the city has done before. Joy Humphrey, the director of Tuscaloosa County DHR, thanked Sullivan and city staff for making the donation possible.

“This means so much to us. We have about 140 children in foster care right now, and while we’re certainly responsible for meeting their day-to-day needs, this time of year it’s really important,” Humphrey said. “This check is going to go a long way in helping meet those needs, and we really appreciate it.”

Mayor Donna Aaron and Gerald Burton, the chief of the Northport Police Department, swore in two new police officers Monday night.

The two new officers, Colby Thompson and Dylan Towl, took the oath of office in front of a room crowded with their friends and families.

With their addition to the force, NPD now employs 57 sworn police officers.

Lastly, the City Council voted to reschedule both of their meetings in January because of conflicts with the College Football Playoff national championship game and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The council will now meet Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 12:30 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. There will be no pre-meeting before their assembly on Jan. 10.

Reach Stephen Dethrage at stephen.dethrage@tuscaloosanews.com or 722-0227.

Monday
Dec 18, 2017 at 7:22 PM Dec 18, 2017 at 8:22 PM

By Stephen DethrageStaff Writer

The city of Northport unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2018 budget Monday night, a nine-month $30 million plan that includes a raise for all municipal employees and some increases in outside agency funding.

This budget is abbreviated because since 2010, Northport has operated on a calendar year budget. The City Council voted last month to return to a fiscal year format to better align with the agencies and other governments with whom they work.

City Administrator Bruce Higginbotham said it was challenging but worthwhile to make the switch and that the budget result looks good, with increases in revenue from sales tax, property tax and business licenses.

In other action, District 3 City Councilman Rodney Sullivan presented a check for more than $4,500 to the Tuscaloosa County Department of Human Resources from funds raised during the city’s fourth annual Twas the Night Before Christmas 5K race.

Sullivan said the race, which was run on Dec. 1, drew more participation and raised more money than anything the city has done before. Joy Humphrey, the director of Tuscaloosa County DHR, thanked Sullivan and city staff for making the donation possible.

“This means so much to us. We have about 140 children in foster care right now, and while we’re certainly responsible for meeting their day-to-day needs, this time of year it’s really important,” Humphrey said. “This check is going to go a long way in helping meet those needs, and we really appreciate it.”

Mayor Donna Aaron and Gerald Burton, the chief of the Northport Police Department, swore in two new police officers Monday night.

The two new officers, Colby Thompson and Dylan Towl, took the oath of office in front of a room crowded with their friends and families.

With their addition to the force, NPD now employs 57 sworn police officers.

Lastly, the City Council voted to reschedule both of their meetings in January because of conflicts with the College Football Playoff national championship game and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The council will now meet Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 12:30 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. There will be no pre-meeting before their assembly on Jan. 10.

Reach Stephen Dethrage at stephen.dethrage@tuscaloosanews.com or 722-0227.

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