by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — The Wellington City Council  got close to putting the finishing touches on its budget at a work session Monday evening at the Wellington City Council Chambers. There won’t be any change in the property tax rates, but valuations went up a little, so the city will get a little more money from the same rates.

The council reviewed several budgetary items Monday. The council is likely to give $42,000 to the Sumner County Economic Development Commission as part of its annual support. Anything they reach a consensus on in a work session is just a general agreement, and the budget still has to be approved. Even after that, the council still has to vote on many of the items individually at some point during the year.

The next meeting is next Tuesday and there could be more discussion. The budget has to be published by the first of August. A public hearing will be held in August and the budget will also be approved at that time.

There may be a rate increase for trash collection at some point next year as there has not been one since 2010. Council members talked about considering a contract with an outside company to do trash collection, but that is a discussion to be held later.

Council member Kip Etter said he would like to see the council think more about investments in things like IT for the city. These things would cost initially, but would save the city money in the long run. He would like to see the city put aside some money for that type of investment in the future.

On the golf course, the council is leaning toward cutting the capital improvement fund from $130,000 to $100,000. The members are considering going to a lease purchase system for equipment which would allow them to get newer equipment for less money. They could then purchase some of those items as they go along.

There was some discussion about how much money the city puts into the golf course. People visit the city and play there a lot, so some see it as a tourism boost for the city.

The council appeared to reach a consensus on the economic development money, and other communities in the county are also contributing. Director Stacy Davis said the amount requested is based on the population.  Argonia, for instance, will be putting in less than $1,000.

The council also discussed contributions to the Wellington Humane Society. The society is in the process of building a shelter on land given to it by the city. The local chapter has the money for the facility, but wants money to pay for someone to run the facility.  The Society is asking the city for $25,000 per year for three years. The group has also asked the same amount from the county.

Some suggested approving it on the condition that the county also approve it, but council member Kelley Hawley didn’t like that idea. She said there is a great need for an animal shelter and the city should support it.

“What we have now is not functioning and not serving the needs that we have,” she said.

It was also suggested that the shelter might hurt business of local veterinarians when they are giving shots, neutering and spaying at a very low price.

The council will likely do that, and put it in the budget, but that is something they would have to be approved later on anyway.

The council also agreed to cut back on some of the funding it does for various organizations. Some local groups are sure to feel a little pinch.

The senior center, the historical and genealogical society, the Chisholm Trail Museum, as well as a few others, will likely see their funding go down by 25 percent, but none of them account for more than a few thousand dollars.

The budget includes a two percent cost of living increase for employees, and a six percent increase in pay for police officers.

The council is planning on having a $500,000 contingency fund, which is a little lower than usual. This is for emergencies and if not used would be transferred to the next year.

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There will be a meeting of the Community Block Grant committee at 6:30 Thursday at Town Hall.

Another work session is set for July 26 to meet with the representative of the League of Municipalities, who is running the search for a new city manager.

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