Celina To Finalize Budget With Water Rate Hike
Celina officials will move forward this fiscal year with a new budget that includes a 30 percent increase in water rates and no pay raises for city employees. Mayor Luke Collins said the budget passed its first reading in July and will face a final vote in August. “You always hate for the rates to […]
Celina Proposes 30% Water Rate Hike, No City Pay Raises
Celina officials discussed a proposed budget Tuesday that includes a 30 percent water rate increase and no pay raises for city employees. Mayor Luke Collins said the state reviewed the financial plan and provided a positive assessment despite the difficult decisions. Collins said the city is facing the same economic pressures as residents from inflation. […]
Celina Award Bid For One Of Two Water Pump Projects
Celina Aldermen awarded one of two water booster pump station projects Tuesday night. The two projects would serve the Free Hill and Cedar Hill Communities. The board considered rebidding both projects, as there were several contractors who were unaware of the projects being out for bid. Mayor Luke Collins said the board should at least […]
UC Resident Proposes Celina Parks And Rec Department
An Upper Cumberland resident wants to see a Parks and Recreation Department in Celina. Jackson County resident Luther Barden said he realized there were few opportunities for residents to be exposed to unique outdoor activities like mountain biking and kayaking in nearby communities. With this in mind, Barden decided to bring the idea before Celina’s […]
Celina Aldermen Approve Loan To Buy New Fire Truck
Celina will take out a loan to cover the remaining expenses of a new fire truck. Mayor Luke Collins said the city could either pay for the $265,000 truck out of the general fund, or take out a loan to pay it off over time. Collins said there is enough money in general fund to […]
Auditor: Celina Utility Fund Down, Rate Study Possible
Auditor John Poole said Celina needs to look closely at its utility operations which saw its fund balance fall by some $300,000 in the last year. Poole said the utility fund currently has just $97,000. Poole said the utility department must turn a profit at least every other year or the city could be subject […]
Celina Alderman Pass Emergency Purchase Of Sludge Bags
The Celina Board of Mayor and Aldermen Tuesday night approved purchasing special bags to remove some 12,000 tons of sludge from the sewer plant. The city and TDEC have entered into a consent order to fix issues at the sewer plant. As part of the order, sludge removal needs to be done by the end […]
Celina Looking To Stop Trail Damage At Donaldson Park
A resident’s call for maintenance to the walking trail at Donaldson Park has Celina Aldermen considering ways to prevent trail damage. Resident Jason Upton said the walking trail is walkable, but it desperately needs new gravel. Upton said he believes most of the damage is caused by people using the trail at night. “I would […]
Celina Holding Off On Street Paving, Pending Line Work
Celina Aldermen will hold off on the town’s repaving discussion pending work on sewers. The town recently acquired a $2 million loan to repave every street within the city limits. Alderman Michael Boles said he was in favor of waiting to start the project. “I think we need to wait until we fix the sewers […]
Celina Approves Budget, Collins Concerned About Tax Revenue
Celina’s new board of Aldermen met for the first time Tuesday night and approved a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on final reading. The budget’s general fund projects bring in an estimated $3.6 million while expenditures total some $4 million. Celina Mayor Luke Collins said the aldermen did not make any cuts to make […]
