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Council members sworn in to new term; 2009-2010 budget approved
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| New term: Mayor Mark Fenn takes his oath of office administered by City Clerk Vicki Vivian Monday night, officially starting his new two-year term. Council members Toney King, Lori McGoffin and David Lambert were also sworn in to four-year terms. (Thelma Grimes/photo.) |
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
After winning by a landslide in the March elections, Mayor Mark Fenn, Vice Mayor Toney King and council members David Lambert and Lori McGoffin took the oath for their new terms in office Monday night.
Fenn was elected to a two-year term, and McGoffin, Lambert and King will serve four more years.
King will also remain the town's vice mayor, since Councilwoman Jo Deen Boncquet moved that he remain in the position he has held for four years. McGoffin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Council approved the $18 million 2009-2010 budget. After several months of public meetings and discussion, Finance Director Jim Cox said this year has been one of the "most harmonious in planning the budget."
Councilman John Lodzinski said the budget is "far improved" from when he first got on the council, thanking Cox for his work in making the document more understandable.
The new fiscal year budget, which officially goes into effect July 1, is similar to last year's since there are no new revenues, and the recession has caused Benson to be more conservative.
The budget passed 6-0. McGoffin abstained because her husband, Troy McGoffin, is a member of the Benson Police Department.
Cox also provided the council with an update on how the city will finish the current fiscal year. The finance director said he expects the city to barely break even by June 30, noting that just like the rest of the nation, it's been a tough year.
Revenues were down more than $600,000, with a decrease in sales taxes and less interest income on investments.
Cox stressed that the city is fortunate to be doing as well as it is in the recession, stating that he feels the city has hit bottom, and should start improving.
In other business, Cochise County residents Jim and Ruby Williams have agreed to pay a one-time $10,000 fee, and sign a pre-annexation agreement to be able to use city water services.
The Williams' live just outside city limits on Jennella Drive. The pre-annexation agreement will be attached to the property, and will be a part of any annexation that may occur in the future. There are no current plans to annex any of the Jennella Road properties.
Lodzinski said all residents along Jennella Road in south Benson are welcome to pay the fees to hook up to city services.
The city will also be getting more money through a grant that has been approved for work at the Benson Municipal Airport. The $1,792 grant will go toward airport improvements.
The council also approved a $68,655 resolution, authorizing Stantec Consulting to conduct design services for the airport helipad and rehabilitate the runway.
In other business, the council approved a special event license for the Fraternal Order of Eagles to use Lions Park for part of the July 4 celebration Saturday. Some of the proceeds from the sale of liquor will be donated to the local food bank.
After winning by a landslide in the March elections, Mayor Mark Fenn, Vice Mayor Toney King and council members David Lambert and Lori McGoffin took the oath for their new terms in office Monday night.
Fenn was elected to a two-year term, and McGoffin, Lambert and King will serve four more years.
King will also remain the town's vice mayor, since Councilwoman Jo Deen Boncquet moved that he remain in the position he has held for four years. McGoffin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
Council approved the $18 million 2009-2010 budget. After several months of public meetings and discussion, Finance Director Jim Cox said this year has been one of the "most harmonious in planning the budget."
Councilman John Lodzinski said the budget is "far improved" from when he first got on the council, thanking Cox for his work in making the document more understandable.
The new fiscal year budget, which officially goes into effect July 1, is similar to last year's since there are no new revenues, and the recession has caused Benson to be more conservative.
The budget passed 6-0. McGoffin abstained because her husband, Troy McGoffin, is a member of the Benson Police Department.
Cox also provided the council with an update on how the city will finish the current fiscal year. The finance director said he expects the city to barely break even by June 30, noting that just like the rest of the nation, it's been a tough year.
Revenues were down more than $600,000, with a decrease in sales taxes and less interest income on investments.
Cox stressed that the city is fortunate to be doing as well as it is in the recession, stating that he feels the city has hit bottom, and should start improving.
In other business, Cochise County residents Jim and Ruby Williams have agreed to pay a one-time $10,000 fee, and sign a pre-annexation agreement to be able to use city water services.
The Williams' live just outside city limits on Jennella Drive. The pre-annexation agreement will be attached to the property, and will be a part of any annexation that may occur in the future. There are no current plans to annex any of the Jennella Road properties.
Lodzinski said all residents along Jennella Road in south Benson are welcome to pay the fees to hook up to city services.
The city will also be getting more money through a grant that has been approved for work at the Benson Municipal Airport. The $1,792 grant will go toward airport improvements.
The council also approved a $68,655 resolution, authorizing Stantec Consulting to conduct design services for the airport helipad and rehabilitate the runway.
In other business, the council approved a special event license for the Fraternal Order of Eagles to use Lions Park for part of the July 4 celebration Saturday. Some of the proceeds from the sale of liquor will be donated to the local food bank.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
JV wrote on Jun 25, 2009 10:07 AM:
" Ernie,
A conflict of interest in Ms. McGoffin's position does not constitute an inability to represent the citizens. She did the correct thing, removing herself from voting on the budget because her husband being part of the police force.
Others haven't been as up front. Don't like it, go vote. "
A conflict of interest in Ms. McGoffin's position does not constitute an inability to represent the citizens. She did the correct thing, removing herself from voting on the budget because her husband being part of the police force.
Others haven't been as up front. Don't like it, go vote. "
WTH wrote on Jun 25, 2009 3:54 PM:
" Not having the ability to vote on city fiscal issues, makes it a inability to vote. The city budget and paying bills (including employee payrolls) may be the single most important decisions a council member has. Yes, she did the correct thing by not voting. That alone places restrictions on her ability to fully represent the citizens. Ernie did not say she is dishonest. But her being on the council while her husband is a city employee, certainly touches on nepotism. "
Ted wrote on Jun 29, 2009 12:15 PM:
" Ernie:
On your second question to taxpayers. Most council members are aware there are parcels within the city limits without city water. They continue to “whistle in the dark.” If they ignore it, maybe it will go away. If these properties were in county jurisdiction they may well have had city water. Some former council members living that area, sure have city water. "
On your second question to taxpayers. Most council members are aware there are parcels within the city limits without city water. They continue to “whistle in the dark.” If they ignore it, maybe it will go away. If these properties were in county jurisdiction they may well have had city water. Some former council members living that area, sure have city water. "
Ernie W wrote on Jun 24, 2009 10:08 AM:
If McGoffin has a conflict of interest on city fiscal issues, why is she on the city council?
It appears that county residences who pay a bribe to the city are allowed city water . Why are properties that have been within the city limits for years, in this same general area doing without? "