Wednesday  September 17, 1947  Middletown Journal, Middletown, Ohio

CITY COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER

1948 BUDGET AT SESSION TONIGHT

    More than $50,000 increase in the operating expenses of the city is reflected in the proposed budget which will be surveyed by the City Commissioners tonight at the annual budget hearing prior to the regular meeting of the Commission.
    The general fund budget for 1948 has been estimated at $530,060.02, as compared with the 1947 budget of $483,562.01.
    The increase as explained by C.H. Campbell, city auditor, who prepared the figures, is due to a rising trend in cost and salaries everywhere.
    “There are no major increases allocated to any one department” Campbell stated, “rather it is a general and slight increase in nearly every item.”
    Campbell pointed out that the important thing for the city , as well as for any individual or family, is that they maintain a balanced budget. He pointed out that this has always been done.
    From the general property tax the city will ask Butler County Commission to certify a total of $448,608.34. Of the total $341,221.08 will be inside the 10 mill limit and $107,387,26 will be outside the 10 mill limit
    Receipts broken down are listed as follows: general property tax, $303,108.56; classified property tax $20,000; sales tax $121,841.28; liquor permits $24,009; fines, costs and forfeitures $25.000; transfers $18.000.
    The city completely used up money in the parking meter fund, mostly for salaries in the police department. Revenues from meters will bring it an anticipated $25,000 for 1948.
    Receipts from the amusement tax to be handled by the city as of October 1, do not appear on the budget at this time. The city may realize around $20,000 from this field, which was vacated by the state in order to give cities additional operating money. Legislation may be passed tonight which enable the city to handle the matter.
    Other estimated receipts including balances are; conservancy $14,706.36; street maintenance and repair from license fees and tax $39, 707.64; gasoline tax to street repair fund $53,702.81.
    The Water Works Department already carrying a balance of $219,850 is expected to bring in receipts of $110,000 in fees.
    Total Expenditures from the bond retirement fund is expected to be $$135.242.50. Charged off to interest will be $20,630 and redemption of bonds will total $76,500. This will leave an estimated $24, 905.57 balance at the end of 1948 as a cushion for operations until new appropriations are made.
    Largest anticipated item in the expenditures as usual will be for the police protection afforded the city and that department has bee allocated $115. 000 for personal services ($5,000 more than last year); and $15,000 for other expanses.

vcm: more to follow later………