Stow Budget Narrowly Passes Council

Stow City Council voted 4-3 to approve the city's 2013 operating budget of $28.4 million at a special meeting Wednesday.

The budget as approved on third reading after two previous reviews by council.

Councilman Mike Rasor was one of the three members who voted against the budget.

Rasor criticized the city administration's budget for its operating deficit of $264,000 which Rasor argues is actually a $1.414 million effective deficit when factoring in money moved from the city's roads and group health funds into the general fund.

"I think it’s irresponsible to keep spending more than we bring in year after year without a plan to close the budget deficit," Rasor said.

Rasor suggested the city sell the Fox Den Golf Course as one means of cutting the deficit.

The golf course turned a profit of $72,000 in 2012 after operating in the red in 2011.

Councilman Brian Lowdermilk also was critical of the budget.

"There’s obviously some things here that are somewhat concerning," he said. "I’m glad to see we’re putting as much into the roads as we did last year. I think that needs to increase."