Red Bay officials get budget right in tough times

In these tough economic times many communities are struggling with budget issues as tax revenues decline and expenditures increase.

This is not the case for one Franklin County town as Red Bay ended its fiscal year with nearly five times the amount of money in the bank as was originally projected.

When city leaders completed the 2009-10 budget last fall they expected to bank $28,907.65. Instead the deposits totaled $138, 418.44.

This unexpected surplus is the result of smart planning by city leaders and effective execution by city employees.

Through thrifty spending Red Bay was able to provide its citizens with quality services and keep the city from going into the red. That helps insure citizens will continue to get those quality services at quality levels for years to come without have to slash a program’s budget to keep the books balanced.

The city can continue to run smoothly and can keep its employees and citizens happy.