By MARK COWLING, Editor
The town must cut its budget next year by $12.8 million — or $10.7 million if annexations currently being contested become final.
The town must limit its spending to a state-imposed formula for at least the next two fiscal year budgets, following the voters’ rejection of Home Rule in the August primary election.
The town must find cuts while preserving money needed to open a new library, aquatic and recreational complex next summer, and bring town services to 4,200 new residents if its annexations of Magic Ranch, Crestfield Manor and Wildhorse Estates survive legal challenges.
That is, unless it convinces town voters to approve a budget over and above the state limit in a special election in May.
Mayor Tom Rankin said Vice Mayor Tom Smith has agreed to lead a committee to promote the special election and urge a “yes” vote on the special budget. Rankin made the announcement Monday during a Town Council work session prior to the council’s regular meeting.
