Copperhill officials approved a balanced budget for the 2021 fiscal year during their regular meeting Monday, July 20.
Mayor Kathy Stewart was pleased saying it is a “very successful budget.”
The budget includes an expense reduction for employee uniforms and an increase in employee insurance.
Alderman Tara Akins suggested that the employees begin paying 30% for their insurance coverage. They currently pay 25%.
City Recorder Suzanne Hughes explained that the added burden on employees would not be a good idea.
“We’re gonna have employees quit because we don’t have 401k ... don’t have a retirement fund. This insurance is all they have,” Hughes said.
After hearing from David Herring, who hosts karate classes at the YMCA, at a workshop two weeks ago, the council decided to delay the opening of the gym upstairs at City Hall.
“I respectfully do this because of happenings, and I’d like to see how things fall, as far as the state, for at least the next month or so,” Akins said.
She added that it could be a problem not having anyone to make sure Herring is following guidelines, and the city would also have to allow rental of the facility, which would also need to be monitored when in use.
The vote was unanimous.
Members will consider opening again at their August meeting.