By a 14-0 vote Tuesday evening (Dec 2nd), the Danville City Council approved fee adjustments in how much is paid to the county for Danville use of the animal shelter. These will include increases in monthly kennel rentals and impoundment fees. Now, data will be taken over the next six months or so to establish some new fees Danville will pay the county, including for deceased animal pick up and disposal within the Danville boarders.
Alderman Jon Cooper, who expressed some skepticism during the committee meeting, said he felt better after talking with Director of Public Works Dave Ruwe; and that it’s certainly advantageous to the city for the county to handle this.
AUDIO: He gave me some numbers on what it would cost the city of Danville to operate the animal control. And after talking with him; it’s just not feasible for the city to do that right now.
On the County Board side, the Executive and Finance Committees approved the initial fee increases from the city Monday night, pending approval by the full County Board on Tuesday, December 9th.
In the new budget and tax levy categories; Alderman Doug Ahrens stated, with agreement from Aldermen Tricia Teague and Ed Butler, that new Danville Public Library Director Christopher Leggins needs to have a chance to get established and make programs stronger. Therefore, rather than cutting back the library’s share of the tax levy substantially, it should be cut back on an even keel with the city itself. Ahrens explained what he has in mind for the library.
AUDIO: Last year they received $2.134 million. I’m proposing $2.1 million, which is a 1% cut; which also is similar, the same as, what the mayor referenced that the city cut from its staff. And I think we’ve got to give the new director an opportunity to show what he can accomplish, and hopefully he had some great ideas.
Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr says he certainly supports the library, but that consideration of some consolidation or elimination of positions is still needed. The mayor says attempts will be made at the next full City Council meeting to pass both the new budget and tax levy.
AUDIO: I do believe that we’ll be successful. If for some reason it’s not, then we have to continue meeting until Christmas. Because we have to have this passed, to be able to take it over to the county by December 29th.
The mayor was referring to the tax levy portion that needs to be taken over to the county, to be ready by the first of the year. The next full Danville City Council meeting is Tuesday, December 16th.
