City Council Approves 2022 Budget

5% Cost of Living Increase for City Employees

The Searcy City Council unanimously approved the city’s budget for the 2022 calendar year on Friday during a special meeting. City Treasurer/Clerk Jerry Morris was appointed by the Council to preside over the meeting while Mayor Kyle Osborne is currently in quarantine. 

“Over the past several months, I have worked closely with the mayor and department leaders to develop the budget, so I was happy to lead the meeting,” Morris said. 

According to Morris, the budget is first developed by department leaders and then reviewed by himself and Mayor Osborne. Once the final budget is created, it goes to the council for approval. In the state of Arkansas, city budget’s are required to be approved by February 1. 

The budget includes general operating expenses for the city as well as special requests from departments, such as a new sanitation truck, fire engine, and city planner position that were previously voted on and approved by the council. 

The largest increase to the budget came from a 5% cost of living salary increase for all city employees.

“Taking care of our employees is a top priority for me,” Osborne said. “The cost of living continues to increase across the country, so we’re extremely thankful to the city council for seeing this need and providing this increase.” 

The total general fund budget is estimated at $17,944,687.52, and total revenues are estimated at $17,957,714.61. The complete budget will be available at CityofSearcy.org.