Buffalo Council taps water department funds to pay bills

Leon County Commissioners Mark Ivey and Dean Player pledge allegiance to the flag as they prepare to handle Leon County business. Sherry’s Shots The Buffalo City Council, like many cities across the nation, is staggering under the severe revenue decline brought on by this deep and long-lived economic recession. To cope with the decline, the Council found it necessary to tap dedicated Water Department funds in the amount of $150,000 in order to be able to pay the city’s bills. This action comes with over three months remaining in the current budget cycle. Before approving the action, the Council insisted that there be some form of payback plan in place. Mayor Royce Dawkins suggested and it was included as a part of the approving motion that the operating fund would replenish the Water Funds at the rate of $2,500 a month beginning in May of 2011.

The Council agreed to meet again on Friday, June 18, 2010 to wrap up the items necessary to allow the Buffalo Fire Department to host a two-day concert at Harriman Park with alcohol consumption allowed. Shaine Reeder was present and expected the approval in the regular meeting but the necessary items were not on the agenda, necessitating the calling of the special meeting on Friday.

An executive session to hear a complaint from Bobby Walters about an incident involving Police Chief Lance Pavelka resulted in the Chief receiving a letter of reprimand. The incident, aired in the closed session apparently involved a confrontation between Chief Pavelka and Walters regarding traffic management during a funeral.

In another police related decision, no action was taken on reducing the size of the Buffalo Police force at this time. The monthly police report showed that citations were up nearly 33%.

Continued discussion on getting Leon County to manage the property tax collection or purchasing tax collection software from Pritchard & Abbott were tabled to allow time to collect additional information.

Chamber President Reitha Hullum informed the Council that Springfest generated income this year for the first time. She credited committee chairman Glenn St. John who was also present with much of the success for the event.

$2005 were given to the Tri-County Horseshoe Club for funds for advertising their upcoming events. Ron Murphy invited the Council and the public to a fish fry at the facility this Friday