Ashland City Council approves $75.8 million spending plan for 2023

“The total appropriations for this year, which is a little more than what we had done in times past, is $75,806,780.56,” Paxton said.

This year’s appropriations represent around 5.3% more in spending when compared to 2022.

Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said that’s because the city saw an increase of around 9% to medical insurance costs, 3% wage increases to union employees and upcoming capital improvement costs.

One of the big-ticket items for 2023 is the repaving of Claremont Avenue, Miller said. The mayor said bids have come in for that project, but that the city has not yet opened them. However, he estimates the project to cost around $3 million after receiving a number of grants.

Other upcoming expenses include the purchase of a dump truck for the street department, a heater and slide for Brookside Pool, and interior renovations at 16 East Main St.

Council President Steve Workman said he has seen the appropriations number grow each year he’s been in office — an indicator, he said, of growth in the city.

“I look at that and smile, actually,” Workman said.

Councilman Dan Lawson echoed Workman's sentiment by pointing out the appropriations represent a balanced budget for the rest of the year.

Miller said he’s grateful the city’s finances are solid enough to cover for inflation that has meant price hikes in wages, insurance and products.

“Thank the Lord we’re in a situation where we have enough revenue, and we haven’t had to raise taxes to get it — we have enough revenue to keep up with the inflation that’s taking place in every aspect of what we do as a city government,” he said.

Paxton said this year’s passage of the appropriations on Feb. 7 is the quickest the city has ever done so. Last year, the budget was approved during council’s second meeting in February.