Jefferson City leaders discuss 2014 budget

The Jefferson City Council met Thursday to discuss the city’s budget.

Mayor Eric Struemph presented his budget proposal to the council and city leaders held a discussion on revenue projections.

Struemph said JCTV is a “nonessential service” and should be cut from the budget. In his proposal, there would be no salary raise or floating holidays for city employees.

Struemph also proposed hiring a financial director and having security present at City Council meetings.

City administrator Nathan Nickolaus is expecting the sales tax to remain flat and little-to-no growth in city revenues.

The total proposed city budget is approximately $70 million, with a $30 million general fund.

Under Nickolaus’ proposed budget, the city’s 425 full-time employees will not receive a salary raise for the first time in at least 23 years. He is proposing employees take two floating holidays.

Council members must approve the budget by October 31, because the city’s fiscal year begins on November 1.