Gardner’s general fund is projected to have a $1.2 million revenue shortfall, according to Matthew Wolff, Gardner finance director. Councilmember’s discussed the city’s budget at their May 18 meeting. The shortfall is partly due to the impact of COVD 19, community growth and staffing needs, increased operational costs with the new Justice Center and special assessments moved from the bond and interest fund. Revenue sources impacted include city and county sales tax, programming revenues for parks and recreation, municipal court fines and fees. To maintain a general fund balance of 25 percent , the finance staff implemented budget cuts of $1.4 million to departments. Cuts include pushing back purchase of eight police cars, not budgeting merit increases in 2021 and not filling a requested 15.5 positions.
(Read more: Gardner News)
