Budget workshop time for most cities across Texas is also being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the first budget workshop for Navasota City Council last week, City Manager Brad Stafford noted that, while there was good news on the sales tax front so far, it is still too early to see full effects.
“We are still playing a waiting game on that sales tax in August, because we want to see what that looks like before we really set this budget,” Stafford said.
Elsewhere in the budget, Stafford noted that they tried to be cautious amid the pandemic with their first workshop.
He said that the sidewalk project, which would be in the $600,000 range and was in last years budget, might be rolling into next years as well, considering construction may not start until then.
He added that they are working on opening up some new positions as well that could go a long way in helping needs of the area.
“Trying our best to include the three, full-time firefighter positions, so we can fill our needs at the fire station. Seems like every week we have issues, with someone having to come from the part time side, because they are working full-time in another department. Either they have restrictions, they have to work overtime, something like that,” said Stafford.
He continued.
“Animal control officer, we are looking to move a part-timer to a full-timer. Just demand of service, there,” Stafford said.
Stafford added the possibility of a new position in the city’s finance department as well.
Budgets will be approved in September, and no finalized decisions have been made on budget for next year yet.
