Athens City Council voted last night to finalize the 2005 city budget, which stands at just under $29 million. Council has been discussing the budget since it was first proposed in December. Despite its approval, auditor Kathy Hecht said minor changes could be made throughout the year.
Council also approved an ordinance granting its blessing to a transportation task force interested in creating a joint transit system for the city and Ohio University. The task force was appointed by Mayor Ric Abel and OU President Roderick McDavis and is composed of both city and university officials. Councilwoman Carol Patterson, D-2nd ward, explained the resolution was not a financial commitment but rather a show of support for the task force.
We are trying to work together for a system that will serve everyone more efficiently
she said, emphasizing that both students and city residents would benefit from a combined bus service.
Patterson said the task force met with the Ohio Department of Transportation last week and received a positive response. Student Senate and Graduate Student Senate have also lent their support, even if students will be charged a fee, she said.
Council also approved a $71,000 computer upgrade for the city auditor's office. Hecht, who plans to order the new hardware and software today, said the current server is eight years old and in desperate need of an update.
In other council news, Abel reported that an inspector from ODOT was dissatisfied with city and county plans to extend the bike path past Wal-Mart and out to Stroud's Run. The proposal included the widening of Della Drive to add a bike lane. County commissioners have appealed and asked ODOT to go ahead with the project as proposed. 17
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Meredith Heagney
