Meeting on July 26, the Globe City Council approved a final budget and property tax levy for the coming year, and was updated on the status of the Community Center Pool rehabilitation project.

The $42.54 million city budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 was passed following a public hearing; there were no comments from the public. The budget included $8.94 million in combined general fund revenues, $3.12 million in state shared revenues, a $12.67 million general fund operational budget, $1.07 million total general fund revenues over all expenses and council-approved restricted contingency of $3 million. It will be reviewed by the City after six months. The property tax rate was adjusted from $1.2618 down to $1.2468 per $100 of assessed value. With total assessed values going  up, the decrease was made in order to keep the tax levy unchanged.

The renovation of the  pool is ongoing, but due to supply issues that have  loomed over the project – the supply of steel has been a particular concern – its reopening date is undetermined. City staff reported that foundations for the roof structure and the water slide were complete, the filter had been installed, gas lines had been run and the gutter system was 90% complete. The slide was on site, construction block had arrived and work on the roof structure was projected to start the week of August 1. Wiring and plumbing work was also expected to begin soon.

“It’s really been a challenge with the materials situation,” said City Engineer Jerry Barnes. “We’re doing the best we can with the material we have on site. I think we’re making progress. What we’re building is really substantial compared to what was there.” Barnes added that the finished pool would be “an outstanding facility.” Both the pool and the water for the splash pad will be heated, allowing them to remain open later in the year.

In other business, the Council approved issuing an invitation to bid for a new sewer line to the Community Center; renewed a contract with Judge John Perlman for presiding magistrate services; ratified the purchase of a Mitsubishi forklift from Naumann Hobbs Material Handling for $26,6075; and approved a memorandum of agreement on managing brownfield sites.