Daleville water board ‘in good shape’

With revenues exceeding expenses, the Daleville Water Board is in “sound financial condition and in good shape.”

That is the report that the water board heard from the board’s certified public accountant at a special called annual budget meeting Sept. 22.

Marc Nelson, a CPA with Dothan-based McClintock, Nelson and Associates, told the board that the proposed budget being presented was similar to what was passed the previous year.

“I went through the revenue of the last four years and just budgeted based on that,” Nelson said. “The water and the sewer revenue is up a little bit over what it was last year but we just budgeted it where it was.”

Nelson said that the anticipated expenses in the proposed budget are in line with last year’s. The salaries will be kept the same. “The hospital insurance rate increased 5.5 percent,” he said. “The other expenses are pretty much in line with what last yea’s budget was. All in all, the budget is similar to what it was a year ago.”

With revenue of $1,407,888 and expenses of $1,213,879, there is a $194,009 balance in the budget proposed for Fiscal Year 2021, Nelson said.

Daleville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Powell was present at the board meeting and presented board members with a letter asking the board for financial support for the civic organization.

“Your support is vital to the chamber becoming all it should be,” said Powell in her letter which also included information on the chamber’s accomplishments during the year and plans for the future.

“We, the Board of Directors, and chamber members, believe a chamber of commerce should work to assist the city as it grows and becomes more prosperous,” she added.

Nelson said that the chamber’s request for $15,000—to begin in January 2021—was not included in the budget that he presented to the board but with revenue in excess of expenses, “should you decide to do that you have the revenue to do so.”

Water board member Jo Reese, who also is a Daleville City Councilwoman, suggested that the water board include the chamber’s request for $15,000. “I’ll be very honest, everything in that letter was very clear and well supported,” Reese said. “I personally will be for giving the whole $15,000 because Daleville has to have the support of the chamber and the chamber needs the support of the city.

“I am for giving (the funding),” Reese added. “I think they are headed in the right direction and trying hard. Their efforts reflect on us and our efforts reflect on them.”

Water Board Chairman Josh Robertson concurred. “Without the support of the city, the chamber doesn’t exist,” he said.

Because the governing authority may not vote at a work session, a final vote on the budget is expected at the Oct. 8 special called meeting to be held at 5:30 p.m. at the council chambers at the Daleville City Hall.