GALION — Once again, students from Galion Middle School were in attendance to observe Galion City Council and other officials make crucial decisions for the city.
GMS social studies teacher Troy Yunker said during a previous council meeting, the students attended as a bonus assignment, which they may attend any civic meeting for. The students are learning about the Roman Republic in class and were in attendance to learn more about civic duty.
Yunker thanked council for allowing the students to be interactive while attending the meetings.
Council members and other officials were sure to take the time to explain various agenda items to the students, including the discussion about the annual budget.
Council carried out the second public reading of the annual budget with intent to pass it at the Dec. 23 meeting.
The projected expenses for the city in 2020 totals $35,150,952 compared to the projected expenses for 2019 of $35,065,562.
Galion Auditor Brian Treisch said the budget expense estimations, despite a pay increase for police officers and firefighters after recent negotiations, are nearly equal due to the city finishing paying off approximately $700,000 in debt in the past year.
Treisch said the debt primarily was in equipment purchases such as a new fire truck, street equipment and other items paid for out of the general fund. Treisch said the debt was paid off ahead of schedule.
Also during the meeting, council heard from Melissa Cornwell, Experience Galion board president, on how 2019 went and what to expect in 2020.
Highlights of 2019 included the formation of the Experience Galion board, installation of an electric billboard in Uptowne Galion and establishing a new website.
Initiatives for 2020 include hiring a an individual to handle tasks such as social media, monitor the email account, maintain community calendars, establish partnerships and finalize the 2020 event list.
Council’s next meeting is Monday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.