Council Approves 2012 Budget; Introduces New Parking Ordinance

The Common Council met Tuesday night, here's what happened:

2012 Budget: The council moved to adopt the municipal operating budget for 2012, in the amount of $47,072,189. The average household with an assessed value of $405,000 will see a total tax increase of 3.6% percent, according to the city's Budget Snapshot.

Parking: Council also introduced a general services ordinance to amend the parking fees for the Deforest Park and Shop lots with a fee structure ranging from $1 to $20. A bond ordinance also was approved in the amount of $750,000 for improvements to the lot and to add an access control gate.

In other news:

• Mayor Ellen Dickson announced new appointments to the Board of Education. Board president Michelle Stevenson will be stepping down in May.
• Plans are moving forward to support a regional joint dispatch agreement, no word yet on when the plan would be finalized.
• Board approved a 2012-2013 health services contract with Westfield Regional Board of Health.