Hazelwood Council Changes Travel Plans to Save Money

The Hazelwood City Council approved its 2013-2014 fiscal year budget with minimal fuss Wednesday night.

Mayor Matt Robinson brought up one small point of discussion regarding the travel budget for councilors, but it presented little issue compared to the $31.4 million budget.

At the June 5 meeting, City Manager Edwin Carlstrom presented an overview of the budget, including a close to $700,000 shortfall in the budget, which is due to slow revenue growth.

The city has made cuts to offset some of the deficit, including a salary freeze and temporary hiring freeze, according to City Finance Director Lori Helle. Helle said no one has been laid off.

According to budget documents, the police department will also decrease the DEA positions of the department from two to one and place the officer back in the community, which will fill a position from a retiring officer.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Mayor Robinson asked for councilors to consider sending only three to the Missouri Municipal League Conference versus sending the entire council. After some discussion, including councilors opting out of going, the council came to a mutual understanding that three would go to the league to represent the city.

The budget shows an allocation of more than $10,000 for the travel for it, but Helle said that all funds wouldn’t be spent from the budget to add to savings.

The council unanimously approved the budget.