In its meeting Monday, the Urbana City Council allocated funds for the Public Arts Program and social services, and reviewed the budget for fiscal year 2010, which starts July 1.
While the council is working to maintain various projects that enhance Urbana, it is also working to keep the budget low.
The Public Arts Plan, approved by the council with a unanimous vote, outlined specific goals including the Iron Post Sculpture Project, the ‘Arts at the Market’ program, and the Philo Road Beautification Project, which constituents have been especially pleased with, council members reported.
Following this motion, council members discussed social service funding and allocations. The majority of the funds will be used for programs aimed at young people.
“I think there’s a real need for job training for our Urbana high school students,” said Laura Prussing, mayor of Urbana, adding that internships are a way to integrate students into the job force.
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Three part-time internships will be awarded this year – one in the public works department and two in the fire department. Four thousand dollars will be allocated towards internships. Additionally, $2,850 will go to the Park District for scholarships to summer camp.
The U.S. Senate also awarded Urbana with $400,000 for the Park District.
The Council then addressed specific departments funded in the budgets.
The Urbana Free Library reported that it was keeping expenses down, particularly by reigning in the materials budget.
“We did keep a tight budget with the economic climate and direction of the budget,” said Debra Lissak, director of the Urbana Free Library.
There are still some unmet needs, she said. Parking availability and I.T. personal are among the most pressing issues.
“It’s probably because of the economy and loss of jobs, but there are many people with very low computer skills,” Lissak said. “It’s a different world for people searching for jobs now. Many jobs require online applications.”
Rod Eldridge, city comptroller, reported that the financial department’s budget has not changed.
“It’s the same budget as last year with no new personal, unusual costs and no new services,” he said.
The council passed an ordinance approving of the approximately $48 million budget for fiscal year 2010.
