City of Blue Ridge restaurants and bars can expect a discount on alcohol pouring licenses for next year.
During a Tuesday, September 8, meeting, the city’s council agreed to waive a quarter of the fee for three months in lieu of the hardships they’ve all been faced with as a result of COVID-19.
At this point, the restaurants are only allowed to serve up to 60% of their capacity at a time.
In total, this will cost the city approximately $19,000 based of off 2019’s numbers.
Licenses are due in October.
The first public hearing of the 2021 budget was presented.
The General Fund saw an overall increase of $277,000 (11%) when compared to last year and balances out at $2,924,150.
The increase is mainly due to employee wage raises, according to Finance Director Alicia Stewart.
There is around $50,000 in capital outlay for equipment for the Police and Street Departments.
The Hotel/Motel Excise Tax has an increase of around $100,000 as a result of the increase in the rate.
The Water Fund has an increase of $789,000 (18%) due to infrastructure improvements.
The 2020 Millage Rate Ordinance also had its first reading, which includes a rollback to 5.323 from 5.378.
In other action, members agreed to pay for the city’s employees to be covered by AirMedCare for medical transports.
The city currently offers this plan to its residents.
Council members also decided to purchase two speed tables, for up to $10,000 total, to go on Church Street and East Main Street.
Johnson Paving was awarded the job of fixing the sidewalk in front of Black Sheep, which is on West Main Street.
A mule was approved to be purchased from Tractor Supply for $6,699. It will be used at the city park.