The Smithville Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted the new 2006-2007 budget on first reading Monday night.
The new budget totals $5-million 122-thousand 699 dollars. Under the new spending plan, the property tax rate will remain the same at 68 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The new budget calls for the water and sewer rates to remain the same. City water customers will continue to pay $3.50 for the first one thousand gallons of water usage plus $3.50 for each additional one thousand gallons of usage. Rates for customers outside the city limits are 50% higher. The rate the city charges the DeKalb Utility District is $1.70 per thousand gallons.
City sewer customers, under the new budget, will continue to pay the flat usage rate of $3.62 plus $3.25 per thousand gallons thereafter.
Water tap fees for customers inside the city limits is $400 for a three quarter inch water line and the sewer tap fee is $400 for a four inch sewer line. If the lines are larger, the fees are cost plus 10%. For customers outside the city limits, water tap fees are $525 for a three quarter inch line and $525 for a four inch sewer line. Again, if the lines are larger, then the fees are cost plus 10%.
The proposed budget calls for city employees with up to four years of service to get their automatic step pay increases as defined in the wage scale plus a 3.9% cost of living increase. City employees with more than four years of service, who have topped out on the wage scale including salaried employees, will only get the 3.9% cost of living increase.
When the fiscal year started July 1, 2005, the general fund was projected to be $531, 815 in the red by June 30, 2006, but by eliminating unnecessary spending during the year, city officials have revised the deficit projection down to $147,364.
The General Fund would actually show a surplus of $102,636 by the end of the month, however the cost of operating the city’s sanitation system comes to $250,000 a year. Since the city has no garbage collection fee for customers, the general fund must absorb the cost, thus creating the $147,364 deficit. Funds from the city’s surplus must make up the difference
City officials are projecting that the general fund will show a deficit of $714,655 by June 30, 2007 unless spending can be held in check again during the year. If not, then the city may have to use more of the money from the surplus to balance the budget.
The water and sewer fund, at the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 2005, was expected to finish with a surplus of $273,413 by June 30, 2006. The projection now is for the fund to show a surplus of $570,061. However, the water and sewer fund is expected to finish the new budget year on June 30, 2007 with a deficit of $67,594, unless spending can be controlled.
Proposed capital outlay expenditures in the general fund for the new year come to $550-thousand dollars. Specific projects are as follows: Financial Administration- $7,500 including $5,000 for a computer upgrade and $2,500 unspecified; Parks and Recreation- $15,000 unspecified; Public Works/Buildings and Grounds- $15,000 unspecified; City Hall Building Alteration per ADA- $8,500 including $5,000 for handicapped rehabilitation and $3,500 unspecified; Fire Protection- $375,000 to begin the first phase of a proposed expansion of the fire hall; Street Department- $65,000 including $25,000 for sidewalk improvements, $10,000 for downtown beautification, and $30,000 unspecified; Police Department- $39,000 including $25,000 for a police car and $14,000 unspecified; Swimming Pool- $10,000 for capital repairs; Airport- $10,000 unspecified; Animal Shelter- $5,000 unspecified; Sanitation Fund- $130,000 including $125,00 for a truck&bed and $5,000 unspecified; and Drug Fund- $5,000 unspecified.
Proposed water and sewer fund capital outlay expenditures include $15,000 for a pickup truck for the sewer plant, $20,000 for an update of sewer plant equipment, $25,000 for an update of the water plant and engineering fees, and $20,000 for a sewer rehabilitation camera.
Although these capital outlay projects are budgeted, they all may not be funded during the year.
Second and final reading action on the budget will follow a public hearing at the next meeting on Monday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. at city hall.

State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) stated today that she is pleased that the Governor had kept his commitment to restore all the state-shared taxes to local governments. The General Assembly passed a bill to make the restoration permanent.
We are very glad to see that all of the state-shared taxes taken to balance Governor Bredesen’s budget in 2003 have now been fully restored,? stated Senator Beavers. The Governor made a commitment to us last year to restore half of those funds then and the other half this year. We are pleased that he has honored that commitment to us and to local governments.
Last year, members of the General Assembly were concerned that the state-shared taxes had not started to be returned in 2004 as many had expected. Public Chapter 503, Acts of 2005, restored half last year in the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 budget. That amount was projected then to be $20 million.
This year, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 3970 to restore the other half of the state-shared taxes and to make the restoration permanent. Based on increased revenue projections, that figure is now budgeted at $24 million for Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
Senator Beavers represents Senate District 17 which includes Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith, Trousdale, and Wilson counties, and part of Sumner County.

With a beautiful spring rain as a backdrop, the Democratic party faithful gathered under shelter number one at Greenbrook Park on Thursday evening to call for renewed efforts in the upcoming elections. Initially, over 200 people entered the area immediately surrounding the band shell at Smithville’s most beautiful park to the sounds of the TCB Band and the Smithville Community Chorus.
The tales of a tranquil evening soon turned breezy and threatening weather briefly disrupted local elected officials serving fresh, hot barbeque with all the trimmings. County Executive Mike Foster, General Sessions Judge Batten Cook, Register of Deeds Jeff McMillan, Assessor of Property Timothy “Fud” Banks, County Court Clerk Mike Clayborn, and Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack broke down the tables as quickly as possible and moved the food under a shelter while the remainder of the crowd and local candidates took cover from the arriving rain. Even though the inclement weather was a brief distraction, the spirits ran high and everyone settled in for what turned out to be a wonderful evening, reminisce of a by gone era. One filled with laughter and singing; cozy seating and good ole time feeling of togetherness. No public address system, no stage ? just a podium and the voices of those seeking office. The most fundamental elements of politics permeated this crowd as they listened to their candidates speak. Party Chair Faye Fuqua called the meeting to order and Katherine Pack led the pledge of allegiance while Jackie Smith gave a stirring rendition of our national anthem. Sheriff candidate Myron Rhody spoke first, and then Russell Ambrose introduced Trustee candidate Anthony “Doc” Green. Next, Criminal Court Judge Lillie Ann Sells spoke to the crowd.
Bert Driver then came to the podium and introduced Congressman Harold Ford, JR. Ford, candidate for the US Senate called for those in attendance to remember that Democrats have always led the way in new and innovative ideas, and that he believes in a balanced budget, something the current administration and Republican led Congress has forgotten. Ford, 36, hails from Memphis and spoke passionately about the importance of the upcoming election. His spirit and zeal energized the crowd at Greenbrook Park as he thundered away about what it means to care about your fellow man; in fact, lightning and thunder provided a dramatic backdrop for the evenings’ key note speaker. The revved up crowd gave Harold Ford, Jr. a standing ovation as he mounted up in his black ford pickup and headed to his next campaign stop.
Other candidates and officials who spoke were: Mike Foster, Second District County Commission Candidate Shane Cook, Sixth District County Commissioner Marshall Ferrell, Judge Bratten Cook, II, Katherine Pack, Mayoral Candidate Jerry Hutchins, Sr. Mike Clayborn, State Representative Frank Buck, Timothy “Fud” Banks, Jeff McMillan, District Public Defender in the 13th District David N. Brady, Two State Senate candidates from the 17th District were represented: Bob Rochelle of Lebanon was represented by his son Bruce Rochelle while Aubrey T. Givens also of Lebanon was represented by his fianc?e.
Faye Fuqua closed the program by reminding everyone that there was still work to be done and that nothing is to be taken for granted. She thanked all the candidates and especially recognized all the members of the DeKalb County Democratic Executive Committee for all their hard work and for making the event possible.

The Smithville Police Department has made two arrests in a recent burglary.
18 year old Gary Christopher Ponder of Old Mill Road, Dowelltown and 18 year old Brittney Danielle Barnes of Belk Road, Smithville are each charged with aggravated burglary and theft under $500.
Officer Mike Billings, in his report, states that “I was conducting an investigation of a burglary that took place at the home of Paul Robinson at 7176 Cill Street, Smithville on May 21st. Barnes did admit to entering the home of Robinson by using a hammer and screwdriver to gain entry to the back door of the residence. Once inside the house, she and her boyfriend, Gary Ponder, took a bottle of prescription morphine (15mg) and a bottle containing 4-5 percocets (5mg). Miss Barnes did make a statement admitting her involvement in the break-in and theft. Barnes said she sold the drugs for money.”
Billings, in his report, further stated that ” Ponder admitted his involvement in the break-in.”
Bond for both is set at $15,000 each and they will appear in General Sessions Court on the charges June 15th.

Former State Senator Bob Rochelle formally entered the 2006 State Senate race in the 17th District this week and said he would not support a state income tax without a vote of the people.
?My name is Bob Rochelle and I want to be your State Senator?again,? Rochelle said at a press conference. Rochelle was surrounded by friends and supporters at the Wilson County Judicial Center as he made the announcement.
?Four years ago in the middle of a crisis, I felt we had to act. But times have changed. The crisis has passed. When times change, public officials should change with them. Therefore, I am today committing to the people of the 17th District that, as their Senator, I will vote against an income tax that is not approved by a vote of the people. Put very simply: No vote, No tax,? Rochelle said.
?The tax debate of four years ago created a massive distraction for the state. I apologize for that distraction,? Rochelle said.
Rochelle said he wanted to return to the State Senate so that he could get results for the 17th District.
?The income tax debate resulted in the election of some sub par one issue candidates who have shown no ability to get things done for our community. They have no answers, no courage, no solutions and will say whatever it takes to stay in office,? Rochelle said.
The 17th Senatorial District includes Wilson, Trousdale, Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith and part of Sumner Counties.
?I wanted to deal with the income tax question from the beginning,? Rochelle said. ?It?s a dead issue, I?ve dropped it and I won?t pick it back up. Now is the time to move forward.?
Rochelle noted that his opponent, State Senator Mae Beavers, was the only State Senator to vote against Governor Phil Bredesen?s new Cover Tennessee health care program, voted against the state budget and opposed a modest increase in the minimum wage.
?Senator Beavers is out of step with the 17th District,? Rochelle said.
?We need new roads to alleviate the traffic and congestion and to bring more jobs to our district,? Rochelle said. ?I stand here today prepared to fight for the future of Tennessee. I am ready to go back to work for you. I ask for your help.?

Several people gathered at the Veterans Memorial Monument on the south side of the courthouse Monday morning for a local Memorial Day observance.
Les Enoch, Chief Executive Officer of Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District, was the guest speaker for the program.
In his remarks, Enoch said “We should never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“As we know, Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May in honor of the nation’s armed service personnel killed in wartime. The holiday was originally called ?Decoration Day’ because it is a time for decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. Over time, the designation ?Memorial Day’ became far more common. After World War I, Memorial Day observances were changed to honor the dead in all American Wars, starting with the American Revolution.”
“We should never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We must continue to honor them and all military personnel who defend our freedom. It is a privilege to be from a country that is served by so many brave men and women. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this program to pay tribute to those who gave their lives defending freedom. We pray that their sacrifice will always be honored and remembered. May God continue to bless America.”
Southern Harmony, a local group made up of Annette Greek, Mary Lynn Page, Susan Parham, and Betty Martin, sang two patriotic songs during the program. These ladies are members of the Smithville First United Methodist Church.
A wreath was placed by the Veterans Memorial Monument at the conclusion of the program as Colton Rhody played taps on the trumpet.
The program was sponsored by American Legion Post #122 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7623.

A DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputy has been terminated for alleged inappropriate contact with a woman he placed in custody Friday night.
Sheriff Lloyd Emmons confirms that he has dismissed Officer David Sharp.
According to Sheriff Emmons the woman, who was taken into custody by Officer Sharp for violation of probation, was upset when she arrived at the jail, complaining to the staff that she had been the victim of a sexual assault.
The Sheriff’s Department conducted an internal administrative investigation while the TBI is conducting a criminal probe into the matter, including the collection of DNA evidence.
Sheriff Emmons says the woman has been moved to another location where she is receiving counseling.

A 58 year old Murfreesboro man was injured around 5:05 p.m. Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle/car collision on Highway 96 (Dale Ridge Road).
Stephen M. Brown of Greenbrier Drive, Murfreesboro was taken by DeKalb EMS to DeKalb Hospital.
Sergeant Billy Prater of the Tennessee Highway Patrol says 57 year old Mary J. Farris of Capshaw Road, Smithville was operating a 2004 Chevy Malibu attempting to enter Highway 96 from a private drive at 908 Dale Ridge Road, when she failed to yield the right of way and pulled into the path of a northbound 2004 Suzuki motorcycle, operated by Brown.
Sergeant Prater says Brown applied his brakes, laid the motorcycle down, and slid into the left front corner of the car.
Farris was not injured.
The accident was investigated by Trooper Allen England of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, assisted by Sergeant Prater, and officers Kenneth Whitehead, Jon Slager, and Mike Murphy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.
Members of the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department also responded.

Smithville Police have apparently solved the burglary of a local doctor’s office and pharmacy with the arrest of a 28 year old man.
Detective Sergeant Chris Russell of the Smithville Police Department says Samuel Wade Walker of 128 Jerry Walker Drive, Smithville has been charged with sale and delivery of a schedule II controlled substance (percocets), theft over $10,000, and two counts of burglary. His bond is set at $140,000.
Walker is charged in connection with a break-in on Thursday, May 18th at the office of Dr. Melvin Blevins and Johnny’s Drugs.
During the pre-dawn hours of May 18th, Russell says someone broke out a rear window at Dr. Blevins’ office at the Center Hill Medical Building and entered.
Once inside, several attempts were made to make entry to the drug store next door through the wall.
After bursting through a sheet rock wall, the intruder or intruders removed from the pharmacy a large quantity of controlled substances including oxycontin, hydrocodone and xanax. The intruder or intruders then left, going back out the same way they came in.
Detective Sergeant Russell says police got a break in the case on Friday, May 26th when Police Chief Gus Clemente received an anonymous tip that Walker had a substantial amount of prescriptions at his residence.
Chief Clemente assigned Detective Sergeant Russell to the case and he initiated an investigation. Search warrants were subsequently executed and served at Walker’s home around 10:30 p.m. Friday night.
Detective Sergeant Russell says while executing the search warrant, he found a metal lock box in Walker’s bedroom closet. Inside the lock box were various prescription medications including percocets, xanax, morphine, tylox, subutex, avinza, and liquid morphine. The lock box also contained $1,200 in cash.
Russell says the drugs were positively identified as the narcotics taken in the burglary at Johnny’s Drug Store.
He says the street value of these drugs is estimated at $300,000.
Detective Sergeant Russell was assisted by Smithville Police Officer Steve Deffendoll, Deputy Jon Slager of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, the TBI and the Middle Tennessee Drug Task Force.
More arrests may be forthcoming as a result of this investigation.

The VFW POST 7623 held a Memorial Day weekend breakfast service Sunday morning and honored Gold Star Mother Norene Anderson, whose son, Ronnie Reeder, was killed during the Vietnam War.
Other Gold Star Mothers were invited to attend, but apparently could not be present.
Ms. Anderson says she is thankful that there are still some people who recognize the sacrifices of those who have served their country. “I appreciate the VFW for all they do to remember those people who gave their lives. I was reading a letter from my son yesterday and he said, ?mother, when you hear the expression war is hell, it is’. He knew. He was right in the midst of the Vietnam war. It’s a blessing that some people remember. A lot of people don’t remember. I appreciate the VFW and all they do.”
County Mayor Mike Foster, the guest speaker, says all veterans and those who died in action, should be remembered throughout the year and not just during Memorial Day. “The people in this room are the ones that have made a difference in this world, not just in our community. If it hadn’t been for them, there wouldn’t be freedom probably anywhere in the world. I think we need to appreciate all the veterans from all the wars, what they have done, and the sacrifices they have made for us. We need to honor and respect them. We need to instill in our people the importance of freedom and how we need to sacrifice for that if we have to.”
Foster continued, ” I remember going to Ronnie Reeder’s funeral and that brought a realism to me. Up until that time, a veteran was from World War II or Korea. But when it’s someone you knew and played sports with, it brings things home to you. We need to involve our young people, even in those tragic situations, so they realize those sacrifices are real. It’s very important to keep these traditions alive. That’s what we need to hold onto.”
At the conclusion of the program, a wreath was laid at the monument outside the VFW building, which bears the names of local servicemen who died during World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam.