South Vinemont council reviews 2024–25 budget, warns of possible midyear revision

Mayor Radginal Dodson and the South Vinemont Town Council reviewed the municipality’s proposed 2024–25 budgets during a work session Monday evening, with staff warning that projected revenues may force a midyear revision.

Town Clerk Kayecea Sasser presented the General Fund and Municipal Park Fund budgets and identified several cost pressures the council will have to address. Sasser said the town is facing a 4.75% increase in employee health insurance and is budgeting a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff, along with training expenses for elected officials and clerks and the 2025 election budget.

Sasser also flagged a federal regulation change tied to the Fair Labor Standards Act, saying the rule will raise the standard salary level for exempt employees effective Jan. 1, 2025. The clerk told the council that the change could affect salary classifications and pay costs for town employees.

The council additionally reviewed the 4-5-7 Cent Fund, the Henry Roe Wood Park budget, and the Capital Improvement Fund as part of the FY 2024–25 package. Council members Chris Thompson and Grady Malone asked several line-item questions during the review, prompting staff to recommend closer monitoring of revenue and expenses.

To offset some future expenditures, councilors discussed placing funds in a short-term certificate of deposit to earn interest; that option will be explored further at the next regular meeting. Councilors also agreed to return with more detailed proposals on strengthening internal controls around fuel and purchasing-card charges.

The work session concluded with no formal budget vote; councilors instructed staff to continue refining projections and bring any recommended amendments back for action if needed.

The council adjourned at 7:01 p.m.; the budget discussion will resume at the next meeting.