The council held a public hearing to discuss the budget in August.
The council also amended the city’s 2008 budget to reflect a change in revenue and expenses for purchasing property, city administrator Ron Griffith said.
The total amount of funds transferred to capital outlay was $657,100. Most of that, $616,900, was used to purchase land at Parks Mill.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business at Thursday’s meeting, the council:
•approved a set-up fee of $322 for each business to have a name placed on the city’s direction sign. After the set-up fee at charge of $5 per month will be added to the business’s water bill to cover maintenance to and around the sign.
•gave approval to city attorney Jack Wilson to proceed with a resolution to form a Downtown Development Authority for the city.
•unanimously approved a list of surplus electronic items.
•approved the purchase of an additional severe storm warning siren for the downtown area at a cost of $22,200 from McCord Communications, Anniston, Ala.
•approved a one-time charge of $12,300 and a monthly charge of $365 with CivicPlus to replace the city’s current web host. This price includes consulting, design, development, content and training and the new site will incorporate the police department and the City of Auburn websites into one site.
•approved spending $276 per month for a color copier/network printer combination for use in the public works department. This charge will include supplies, toner and maintenance. The copier will make color copies and can book fold the copies, both of which will save the city money on color copies and brochures that now have to go to a print shop.
•unanimously approved the renewal of the public works department’s uniform contract with G & K Services at a cost of $260 per month.
•approve an agreement with GAWARN, a network of utilities helping other utilities in the case of natural or man-made emergency situations. There is no cost to join. This is a volunteer program. It is a mutual aide agreement between public and private water and wastewater utilities.
•approved spending an amount no to exceed $15,000 for court room renovations.
•approved the Barrow County Comprehensive Plan.
•approved Auburn to become a Work Ready City.
•heard staff reports. City Clerk Rafael Avalos reported that he has received the appraisals and tax digest from Gwinnett County, but is waiting on Barrow County’s digest. If Barrow County sends its digest before the city’s work session meeting set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, the council will hold the first meeting for setting the millage rate at this meeting. If the digest shows an increase of more than three percent, the city is required to hold three public meetings, Avalos said.
City Planner Larry Lucas reported that the certificate of completion for Auburn Station was received last week. This starts a 35-day review clock, Lucas said. This should come back to the council at the meeting on October 16, Lucas added.
Charlotte Ewing, Auburn Parks and Leisure Services, announced several upcoming events. The Great American Clean-up is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11. AuburnFest is set for Saturday, Oct. 18, with the Fort Yargo Historic Re-enactors in attendance. They will have quilters, a blacksmith and tomahawk throwing demonstrations, Ewing said.
•council member Sally Brown said applications are currently being accepted for the next Barrow County Habitat for Humanity house. An applicant orientation meeting is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Auburn City Hall. Applications will be available at the meeting. For more information you may call 770-277-7997 or visit the website at www.barrowhabitat.org.
The council will hold its next regularly scheduled work session meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at city hall.
