JC council approves 2015 budget ahead of schedule

In a surprise move Monday night, the Jefferson City Council approved the 2015 budget weeks ahead of schedule, but made some last minute adjustments.

But some of those adjustments mean fewer employees than some departments were counting on.

Worried about decreasing tax revenues, the council decided to cut four vacant positions out of the budget that were recommended by the budget committee to go back to the 2015 budget.

It’s a saving of $232,000 in the nearly $58 million budget.

The positions include a police officer, a firefighter training officer, a human resources administrative assistant and a street worker.

The city has been down a total of 12 positions since the recession several years ago. These positions are supposed to be brought back someday.

And while police and fire had support on the council, ABC 17 News is told police officers who are having to work overtime to cover open shifts could have used the extra officer and the council’s move doesn’t send a positive message.