At the September 15th city council meeting, members passed the 2027 budget, which totals $17,468,678.75. According to Mayor Kevin Farmer, all departments saw cuts, some receiving staff reduction. Farmer stated that he looks at revenue possibilities every day, trying to find finances that don’t pass the burden to the citizens. Other council members echoed Farmer’s sentiment.
In other business, the council authorized the application of an Appalachian Regional Commission grant which would fund the repair of twenty-five inoperable water hydrants. Total repairs would run around $200,000, and the grant requires a 50% match from the city. Mayor Farmer reasoned that the city would have to fix the hydrants anyway and paying half would be better than paying the whole cost.
Farmer relayed that the Airport Authority is asking for $20,000 in appropriations this year. Piedmont’s new budget only reflects the $10,000 the council paid last year. Councilman Matt Rogers questioned whether the investment was worth it. The issue will be taken up in a future meeting.
For more details listen to the attached audio file of the meeting.
