Monroe budget passes with public works loan

Published 12:01 am Thursday, December 17, 2009

MONROE — The Monroe City Council passed the 2010 budget on Tuesday night, using a $150,000 loan from its own public works department to make ends meet.

The loan allowed the city to balance its books while avoiding layoffs, furlough days and unanticipated tax increases.

The city council may make budget cuts in 2010, after Mayor-elect Robert Zimmerman takes office, to avoid spending the loan money. If used, the loan has to be paid back at a 1 percent interest rate within a year.

Councilman Mitch Ruth was the sole vote against the budget, which was adopted 5-1. Councilman Geoffrey Thomas did not vote, having arrived late to the meeting.

The final budget includes a $10.67 million general fund, down from $11.07 million in 2009. The general fund supports departments such as police and parks.