Athol approves 2024 budget
The city of Athol’s annual budget will drop from nearly $4.5 million in 2023 to just over $1 million for 2024.
City Council members approved the 2024 budget Tuesday. It includes a 3% property tax increase for residents and funds for potential merit-based raises to be determined later in the year.
“As for property taxes, we always plan for the basic 3%,” said City Clerk Lori Yarbrough. “One thing we found out early on is you’re not eligible for most of the grants if you don’t take property tax increase.”
The reason the budget plummeted to more than a quarter its original size was that multiple construction projects drew to a close in 2023.
The city completed a multi-year $4.2 million water project, which included raising the water tower 50 feet, replacing the city’s water tanks at the city cemetery, and replacing most of the main north/south water lines.
The total project upgraded the water infrastructure for decades, and half the cost was covered by grant money. The balance will come from a citizen bond approved for up to $3.9 million in 2018, Yarbrough said.
Another ongoing project largely covered by grants and some city savings was a road project to improve three blocks of Bennett Street near City Park and City Hall. A SAFER grant also covered much of the cost for building the first sidewalk in Athol.
The sidewalk begins next to Athol Elementary School, and ends at a flashing pedestrian crosswalk at Highway 54.
“Getting the grant is one thing, but then the management of the grants is another thing,” Yarbrough said. “And it’s hard on a staff of three. We’re out of money again, so we have to slow down.”
The trio of city employees manage multiple city projects and grants, including American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“We finally might start getting caught up and dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s,” Yarbrough said.
The three employees will not receive cost of living adjustment pay increases.
“We’re all hourly employees, so if the council says no raises, we get no raises,” Yarbrough added.
But the council could grant employees merit-based raises following an annual review in March, so the budget includes funds for a wages and salary increase of 5% from last year, Yarbrough said.
