SHAMOKIN - City officials have roughly one month to erase a $600,000-plus deficit from the 2014 budget.
Councilmembers voted 5-0 during a special meeting Wednesday to adopt a preliminary version of next year's general fund budget with revenues projected at $2,316,506.01 and expenses projected at $2,932,587.58.
That leaves a $616,081.58 shortfall that must be accounted for before a final general fund budget is adopted before the new year.
"I have never, ever, ever seen a deficit like this in my entire life," said city Treasurer Brenda Scandle.
Several city councilmembers agreed. William Strausser, R. Craig Rhoades and Michael Snyder all said after the meeting they were shocked by the deficit figure.
The 2013 general fund budget was balanced at $2,558,538.93.
Councilman William Milbrand said he believed expenses aren't being accounted for correctly and have misrepresented potential budget figures. "I can't see how we get a true budget from this paperwork," he said, gesturing to the preliminary budget figures.
There are increases in health insurance, liability insurance, workman's compensation, police department overtime, legal expenses and other line items across most city departments. Tax revenue remains estimated about the same as in 2013.
Council adopted a resolution for solicitor H. Robert Mattis to again petition Northumberland County Court to keep real estate taxes assessed at 30 mills, 5 mills higher the maximum allowed by law.
The preliminary budget is now available for public review. A special meeting of city council will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 30 to vote on a final version of a 2014 general fund budget.
Discussions on how to erase the deficit are expected at a council workshop slated for 6 p.m. Dec. 4. The next regular meeting, or voting session, of city council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 9.
In two other votes unrelated to the budget, councilmen fired deputy treasurer Kelly Haines, on recommendation by Scandle, and rejected a police union grievance concerning dental insurance.
A city council meeting that had been scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday has been canceled.