The city of Ringgold is looking at an 11 percent increase in overall revenues for fiscal year 2016 versus what was budgeted in 2015, according to City Manager Dan Wright.
The City Council unanimously approved the budget for fiscal year 2016 earlier this month. It estimates $6,522,000 in revenues and and expenditures for the city's coming fiscal year, which starts Jan. 1.
"The primary [budget] increase will be due to newly annexed properties, new construction, additional customers and the long-awaited opening of the Quality Inn," Wright explained. "Regarding departments, all the departments are fairly well the same, with a few exceptions. The Police Department will be seeing a sizable increase of $51,000 to add one position to the department and to cover some of the needs for equipment."
The Street Department's decrease in funds is due to the city moving employees from it to the Sewer Department, he added.
"Many of our public works employees are cross-trained and can work in many different departments," said Wright. "The project load for each department determines the labor distribution The employees work for the city and, really, it does not matter to them which fund they are paid from."
The Police Department has a grant or loan application in that may assist in funding two SUV vehicles, he said. The department will be inquiring about the addition of a K9 in 2016, of which most of the cost will be covered by a separate grant.
"The Street Department has plans to pave several roads and stripe them," said Wright. "The list is being submitted to GDOT for final approval currently. The list of streets is: Old County Road, Jenkins Street, Marilyn Circle, Rollins Industrial Court, Valley View Drive and a portion of Whittemore Street."
Meanwhile, sewer projects are under construction at Three Notch Estates, Melody Estates, Leon Estates, Rogers Road area, Foster Subdivision and the West Woodgate area, he said.
"A new water line is currently being installed on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road," said Wright. "The city will be installing a production water well on Poplar Springs Road starting in January. The [Ringgold] Water Plant will also see an upgrade in the chemical feeding system along with storage. The plant will be converted over from dry chemicals to liquid. This project will be funded by a GEFA loan and an $86,000 grant."
According to Wright, these projects are just a few of the things the city will be working on in 2016.
"We look for a great year and many exciting things will surely happen," Wright said.
Email Katie Ward at kward@timesfreepress.com.