City Budget Holding Up.

Carthage City Clerk/Financial Officer Lynn Campbell and City Administrator Tom Short presented the City Council Budget/Ways and Means Committee with a report on the City’s financial condition for the first four months of the fiscal year during Monday evening’s regular committee meeting.

They reported that overall, the City is in good shape. The tone was cautious because the sales tax revenue received in October was down nearly 11% from the same period last year. For the entire four month period, sales tax revenue is only down 2.5%. Fluctuations in tax collections and other factors can have a temporary effect on sales tax receipts. Short told the committee that it will take another month or two to know if this is a fluke or a trend.

Documents dirstributed to the Committee show that parking ticket enforcement has increased significantly this year. Parking fine revenue for the four months was $2,537. In the 2008 Police Department year end report, parking fines for the entire year amounted to $2,581. There was little parking enforcement the last quarter of 2008.

There is still little to no information bein’ released concernin’ the discrepancies discovered in the City Court fines bankin’ account. It apparently was in quite a mess. What was thought might take a couple weeks to sort out, is still bein’ sorted.

The City is makin’ changes in the system so as ta keep a better handle on things from now on. The idea at this time is ta move the Court Clerk over to City Hall with the City Clerk bein’ the supervisor. This seems to be the system most communities this size use. ‘Course this means an increase in traffic and other considerations will likely change the decor in City Hall somewhat. Ideas are still bein’ floated to make the transition without any major interruptions.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• "Save some Halloween candy for making cookies or decorating pies throughout the holidays. Put it in the freezer. Small candy bars are great for adding to brownies. Caramels and chocolate chews can be melted to add to cookies as well. It’s better than the kids eating it all in one go, and they can anticipate the holidays to come." -- I.S. in Illinois

• Cabbage leaves go limp in the freezer, making them easier to roll. This tip is especially good to know if you are making cabbage rolls or stuffed cabbage.

• "Defog your bathroom mirror with shaving cream. If you are constantly wiping the steam away from the mirror to shave, try this old trick. Rub a healthy amount of shaving cream on the mirror surface, then wipe away with a towel. You can rub it with newspaper to get the cream off, but don’t clean it with glass cleaner. The next time you shower or shave at the sink, the fog just won’t accumulate!" -- B.G. in Idaho

• "Mayonnaise can stand in for cooking oil in a recipe. Use in an equal amount. It works especially well in brownies." -- F.A. in Massachusetts

• Go Green Tip: Most large chains have really gotten on the bandwagon with reusable shopping bags. Here’s a tip to help you have one handy at the right moment. Keep several in the trunk of your car. Also purchase one or two foldable bags. There are some that fold small enough to fit comfortably in a woman’s purse. Keep one of them hanging from your gearshift lever, and if you attach a carabiner clip, you might remember to clip it right to your belt!