Aldermen Prep Budget For First Read Nov. 25th

     The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen held a Budget Workshop on Tuesday, November 5th at City Hall to review the 2020 budget drafted with City staff.
     The proposed Community Campus loomed over several items in the budget, including plans to develop the Nichols building on Gregg Street, which was purchased by the City to be repurposed for community use. Currently, the Grain Valley Assistance Council utilizes one part of the building. Plans for further development will be delayed until the results of a planned April 2020 vote for a no tax increase bond issue to fund the community campus.
     Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Davies reported work on two projects already approved by the board will be pushed into next year. A pedestrian bridge at Blue Branch Creek has been delayed until early next year, and trail construction along Dillingham will be postponed until early next year when weather conditions are more favorable.
     Police Chief James Beale addressed questions from Ward I Aldermen Jayci Stratton regarding officers driving police vehicles home and the fuel costs incurred, particularly officers who live a great distance from Grain Valley. Beale reported he completed a study on  current mileage costs and has already set restrictions on School Resource Officers driving vehicles home. Policies for the full fleet will be finalized in the coming months.
     The Board also included a 2% cost of living increase for City staff in the budget at a cost of $78,460.
     The Board of Aldermen will present the budget for a first read at their November 25th meeting and a second reading on December 9th.