Fulton Common Council Approves To Override Tax Cap

FULTON – The Fulton Common Council met last night, November 17, and quickly approved all items on the evening’s agenda, including the approval of overriding the tax cap.

While there was a public hearing scheduled during the meeting for residents to discuss their thoughts on overriding the tax cap, no one spoke. With that, the council voted and approved to override the tax levy limit. This is done with the intent of allowing the council to adopt a budget for 2021 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the tax levy limit.

The council read a resolution of respect for the late Carmella Demperio, a previous city councilor who was actively involved in the city of Fulton throughout her life. The council will meet with her family at a later date to present them with the resolution.

Also in the agenda:

• The council approved the minutes for the November 4 meeting.
• The council approved the sale of 1218 Emery Street in the amount of $30,000 to Morteza Sharif.
• The mayor appointed John Woods to the Board of Assessment and Review. Mayor Deana Michaels made a note later in the meeting that the council is still looking for one more person to appoint to this board.
• The mayor appointed Charlene Noel and James Bartleman to the Planning Commission until February 14, 2022.
• There will be a public hearing in regards to the 2021 proposed city budget Tuesday, December 1 during the Common Council meeting at 7 p.m. in the Municipal building.

Following the agenda, Michaels spoke and polled the council. She said the Municipal Building will be making some changes to minimize groups in one location as a COVID-19 precaution. She also discussed that with the proposed budget coming up, for the first time all the councilors and department heads have been involved in budget discussions.

Michaels said 2020 has been a tough year with an increase in expenses due to the pandemic and a decrease in revenue. She said healthcare benefits for city employees have been a drain on the budget and intends to change the plan to save money in the budget.

She also said the city’s website has been revamped and will soon be put into effect.

Polling the council:

• First Ward Councilor Tom Kenyon did not have anything to say.
• Second Ward Councilor Douglas Chapman expressed his condolences for the passing of Carmella Demperio.
• Third Ward Councilor Don Patrick Jr. wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and encouraged patience for those in need of yard waste pickup. He requested people to keep leaves and sticks out of the street to avoid children playing in the piles and getting hurt while in the road.
• Fourth Ward Councilor John Kenyon praised the Department of Public Works for their work in picking up yard waste.
• Fifth Ward Councilor Audrey Avery did not have anything to say.
• Sixth Ward Councilor Larry Macner did not attend the meeting.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, December 1 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

The agenda and documents for last night’s meeting can be found here. missing or outdated ad config

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