By Scott Allen
Fredericksburg City Council members on Monday approved $784,200 for five of six proposed mid-year budget amendments.
The council left out an amendment for $423,877 as a deficit from 2014-2015 for the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course.
Mayor Linda Langerhans, who won re-election last week, wanted to wait until later in the year to make a decision about taking the money from the general fund.
“I would prefer to, the transfer of the golf deficit, to hold off on that until we get into our budget meetings this summer,” Langerhans said. “I just don’t think that should be approved right now.”
The other five budget amendments that were approved by council include:
• Purchase of property at 301 Friendship Lane — $524,200;
• Marktplatz square expense (drainage improvements) — $100,000 from the tourism fund;
• Computer software maintenance — $65,000 out of the general fund;
• Fort Martin Scott utilities extension — $75,000 from the tourism fund;
• Hotel Tax Distribution - Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest (FFWF) — $20,000 from the tourism fund.
After short discussion, council members approved Langerhans’ recommendation and will review the golf course deficit during their budget meeting this summer.
Friendship Lane property
A two-year lease for the property on Friendship Lane was approved by council.
“That was a really good decision by the city to proceed with the purchase so that we can have property necessary for future growth of city facilities,” City Manager Kent Myers said while discussing the budget amendments.
The property was previously purchased by the City of Fredericksburg from Lucille Rochs. The tenants, Seth and Rosie Crain, will continue to reside in the dwelling while maintaining the property.
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