Kingsland To Apply For $550,000 Grant

KINGSLAND - The Kingsland City Council approved the city's 2023 budget during its regular monthly meeting last Thursday and also approved three resolutions that will give Mayor Sharon Crosby permission to apply for a $550,000 wastewater grant through the state. Meanwhile, after earlier saying she would likely step down at the end of 2022, Crosby said she plans to stay on as mayor to see the city's grant projects through. She has been serving as an appointee since former Mayor Luke Neal resigned last August. According to the 2023 budget, the city's general fund will begin the new year with a 2022 carryover balance of $250,000. Total projected revenue for the year, which includes the carryover balance, is $422,404.95. Total general fund expenditures for 2023 are projected to be $200,149.50, leaving the city with an estimated remaining balance of $222,255.45 as of Dec. 31, 2023. The city also has $74,763.95 in federal COVID relief money provided through the American Rescue Plan that is being carried over into 2023. Wastewater Grant The Kingsland City Council approved three separate resolutions that will allow Crosby to apply for a $550,000 grant through the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program for "rehabilitating the sewer system." Crosby said she has been work(see (continued from page 1) ing with Trey Foster, an engineer with Civil Engineering Associates of Conway, on completing the grant application. Foster also worked with the city on its water improvement projects. In her conversations with Foster, Crosby said the city may have to come up with some additional money to cover all the cost for the upgrades that are planned. She mentioned that some of the money will be used for pumps at the city's wastewater treatment facility. A decision on the grant is not expected until the spring or summer, Crosby said. Staying On After visiting with officials a...