BY ALLEN HOWARD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SILVERTON -- The city has battled its way out of its financial woes, moving from a $335,570 deficit in 1996 to an estimated $120,000 surplus the end of 1998.
City council approved its 1998 tax budget Thursday night, as required by state law. The budget must be submitted to the County Budget Commission by July 20.
"I am sending it off tomorrow," said Robert Fredericks, clerk of council. "I have an extension until Aug. 15, but I know the auditor will smile favorably on us for what we have done in fiscal management."
Silverton is still under a fiscal watch, placed on it by the state auditor's office for its fiscal problem of 1997 when it could barely make payroll.
The fiscal watch will last until October.
Michael Hagen, chairman of council's budget committee, led the council in adopting a budget in March that was $350,000 less than the 1997 budget.
Cuts were across the board, involving such items as closing the municipal swimming pool to save $40,000 and charging for ambulance runs, which would generate $33,500 the rest of the year and about $50,000 yearly.
This summer, local financier Carl Lindner gave the city a $40,000 gift to open its swimming pool.
A report from Paul Kramer, associate director of the Blue Ash YMCA, which is operating the pool, showed that in two weeks the pool has generated $3,722 in membership fees and daily passes.
"I think the important thing about our efforts is that all departments buckled down to live within our budget," Mr. Fredericks said. Based on estimates of revenue and expenditures, Silverton's 1999 tax budget shows close to a $200,000 surplus.
Mr. Fredericks said estimated revenues are about $1.7 million while expenditures will run about $1.6 million.
Mayor James Siegel said the auditor's office will take a look at Silverton's financial situation at end of year.
"The entire city chipped in to help us get out of this," Mr. Siegel said. "When we were short in the service department, firemen and police volunteered to help. This was like a family effort."
