| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
Finance Committee Chairperson Bob McOmber reminded council that the 2013 budget it approved last fall contained a 1-percent raise for all city employees. "This is more prudent because it is a one-time payment and does not affect the salary base into the future," McOmber said.
He explained the city's finances are better than projected, with the help of a larger than anticipated estate tax payment and a refund from the state workers compensation fund.
City Finance Director Brian Bushong said after the meeting the one-time payment will cost the city $155,000.
Bushong said the city received a $220,000 check from the workers comp fund and a $396,000 state estate tax check. The estate tax check is likely the last the city will receive because the state legislature ended the tax at the end of 2012. Bushong said the city knew it would likely receive some estate tax but only budgeted $50,000.
