Published: June 30, 2009 08:32 am      

W’burg has first council meeting in new city hall

By Adam Sulfridge / For The Times-Tribune

After postponing its regularly scheduled meeting, the Williamsburg City Council held its first meeting in the new city hall building Monday. The new building is the first city-built city hall in Williamsburg’s history, according to Mayor Roddy Harrison.

Harrison began the meeting by welcoming council and audience members to the council’s new meeting chamber, noting that a long row of windows now allows residents to “see government in action.”

After the introduction and regular formalities, attention turned to the first reading of the city’s 2009-2010 budget. A second reading of the budget will take place Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Harrison described the city’s $6 million budget as “tight” this year and expressed disappointment regarding the city’s inability to offer employee raises.

“We’ve been able to give raises the past four years; this is the first year we haven’t been able to.” He said. “Everything is going up and revenue stayed the same.”

Specifically, the city clerk noted a three percent increase in insurance and workmen’s compensation costs.

If expenditures are lower than expected or revenue increases, Harrison hopes to provide city employees with a semblance of a raise.

Councilman Richard Foley agreed, saying, “We need to do that by all means.”

Alvin Sharpe, director of tourism, presented the City with a budget for the Williamsburg Tourism Commission. The budget, which he described as similar to last year’s, sets aside $25,000 for playground equipment. The Tourism Commission’s money will combine with $25,000 from the city and about $5,000 from the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club to purchase around $60,000 worth of playground equipment. Sharpe plans to replace equipment at Briar Creek Park. Several council members agreed with Sharpe’s decision, noting the park’s current equipment is old and faulty. The Tourism Commission will accept proposals on the project at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The Council also approved a new city logo, which is a slight variation to the image previously used on the city’s flag. Also, plans were confirmed for an “open-house” on July 13 at the new city hall building. Residents are invited to tour the building.

“After all, it’s their building.” Harrison said.

Councilman Richard Foley requested the city increase its oversight of the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport.

“We give them quite a bit of money ... so we have a right to,” Foley said.

Councilman J.L. Hamblin agreed, adding, “Personally, I think they should present us with some kind of budget.”

Mayor Harrison also agreed and noted Foley’s recommendation.

Lastly, attention was turned toward Williamsburg’s Main Street program, which hosted its first ever “Movies in the Park” this past weekend. Main Street Manager Nannie Hays estimated 60 people turned out and predicts the event will grow in size as word spreads throughout the community. Hays reminded council members that the city’s Web site has been slightly redesigned.

“We added a calendar of events to the site’s homepage,” she said.

For a list of events happening in Williamsburg, visit http://www.williamsburgky.com.