The Bremen City Council approved four sets of allotments applied to the 2010 budget at their recent council meeting held Monday night.

City Manager Perry Hicks reported that the overall general budget was reduced by 1.45 percent for next year, as a result of cost-cutting measures that the city has implemented. Council members have $4 million to spend on city operations for the upcoming fiscal year that ends June 2010.

“We’re pleased to report that there were no reductions of staff or services,” Hicks said.

However, city employees have to do without the traditional perks of holiday pay, which Hicks says saved the city $42,000. City officials were also compelled to suspend pay raises until further notice in an effort to maintain a balanced budget.

“It’s always hurtful to not give employees a raise,” said Councilman Steve McIntosh.

Mayor Sharon Sewell also shared her empathy towards employees during remarks about the adjustments in the budget, but stressed her top concern is providing essential services to the citizens.

“Jobs and insurance are most important, then we’ll take care of the rest. We will continue to maintain the quality of services in Bremen,” she said. “I want to comment on the great efforts made by all employees, knowing the struggles we’re dealing with regarding the financial situation.”

Other budget estimates that met the council’s approval include the $2.3 million water/sewer budget and the $50,000 allotment for tourism efforts, which is funded by hotel and motel tax revenue. With consumer spending on the decline, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax revenue was conservatively estimated at $722,000 for capital improvement projects.

In other business, Sewell received a unanimous vote to serve as the city’s representative for the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, formerly known as the Coosa Valley Regional Development Center, which assists local governments with various economic development programs. The measure comes after the state’s amendment to laws dealing with regional development authorities in Georgia.

“In some cases, RDC’s were consolidated and the board of directors were reconstituted,” Hicks explained. “So, the Coosa Valley Region will be renamed Northwest Georgia Regional Development Center. In the makeup with the board of directors, it’s stipulated that at minimum the largest city in the county should have an elected [representative to the Center].”

Hicks added that the economy may have played a role in the consolidation of regional development centers, that now consist of the elimination of at least two of the RDCs that have been consolidated into other agencies.

Additionally, the council passed a two-part vote that included United Healthcare as the medical insurance provider for next year, following a 60 percent renewal offer with the current provider that officials deemed less cost-effective for city employees. The board also approved the distribution of a healthcare survey to solicit information from employees to help the city determine the direction of healthcare policy plans in the future.

The council also authorized the city development authority and designated officials to initiate the drafting of design review guidelines for Planned Unit Development (PUD), as well as potential implementation of a moratorium. The updated plan will incorporate architectural and landscape features and building materials that will be used to support projects in the community.

Bremen Police Chief Keith Pesnell presented a certificate to councilwoman Jane Wilson for her completion of the Female Firearms Safety course that was held last weekend. About 18 women participated in the two-day, hands-on training that focused on handgun operation and the importance of firearm safety. Pesnell said the annual effort encourages women to become more knowledgeable about how to protect themselves in case of a life-threatening situation.

The next Bremen City Council meeting will be held Monday, July 21, at the Bremen City Government complex in Bremen.