Bessemer ponders allowing 'roll-over' funds

By PAMELA JANSSON

pjansson@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — Members of the Bessemer City Council discussed at their Dec. 23 meeting the possibility of allowing the Parks and Recreation Commission to “roll over” any remaining funds from each year’s budget, rather than losing them.

Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission made the request.

Councilman Adam Zak, who represents the council on the Parks and Recreation Commission, said its members would like to save money for grant-matching, but added, “They can’t do that without rolling over and saving.”

Council members took no formal action, but they agreed they are open to such approval at a future time.

“I think we want to see them get as much as possible,” said Councilwoman Linda Nelson.

The discussion followed an explanation by city manager Mandy Lake, who said she advises delaying action until next summer, when the council will have better perspective on its overall fiscal year budget.

“We made quite a few changes in how we do the budget,” said Lake.

Commissioner Mark Movrich confirmed via Lake that Parks and Recreation members, who now have about $12,000 in their budget, will be free to spend their current funds until the current fiscal year ends on June 30, 2025.

Council members also:

— Approved a draw of $292,156.86 from the city’s Phase 3 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

— Approved 95% of a $31,842.81 request for reimbursement in relation to Phase 2 of the DWSRF. Ben Tucker, who leads the city’s Department of Public Works, advised withholding 5% until the work is complete.

— Tabled action on approving life insurance for city employees through the state’s Municipal Employees’ Life Insurance, known by the acronym of MERS. Zak suggested more research, and Lake said that she and clerk/treasurer Samantha Zacovec will explore options.

All votes were unanimous with all members present.

At the end of the meeting, the council entered a closed session to discuss the city manager’s employee evaluation. No action occurred afterward.

The next regular council meeting will be on Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. in the council chamber of the Bessemer City Hall.