By Alexandra Pedrini

On June 16, the Murphy Community Development Corporation’s 4B members met to discuss budget plans for various projects in the city and for the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

Linda Truitt, city director of finance, discussed the FY2010 budget amendments to fund projects for this year. At the end of FY 2009, $59,000 was spent for unexpendable promotional expenses when only $10,800 was budgeted. Adjustments included increases to the unexpended promotional budget, the capitol, and conceptual master plan for municipal complex for a total increase of $116,000.

These budget changes will have an effect on events groups seeking unexpendable promotional money from the board, but this will be included in the budget for FY2011.

Kim Lenoir spoke to the board about the plans for the old Murphy School Community Center. After reviewing the plans and request of the citizens, the committee discussed the budget for the project.

The project will require $2.5 million to complete the renovation of the building, but is short an additional $500,000 for furniture and fixtures.?
“The bottom line is we can get this building done for what we have,” Lenoir said.

The additional money needed would go towards furniture, fixtures, extra parking spaces and an additional room. The plans will soon be presented to City Council.

Truitt then presented the changes to the FY2011 budget. The main changes will be to travel and training, promotional expenses and consulting fees.

4B president Cary Walker asked for a contingency for consulting fees. He said he would feel comfortable cutting the $8,000 in half for travel and training costs and putting $4,000 towards consulting. Because the city has already limited the number of people who go away for training and conventions, the cost is already limited. He said he thinks this is working.

After this meeting, the board chose to change their meetings to the third Wednesday of every other month at 6:30 p.m. and whenever needed.