As the budget process continues, the City of Perry is exploring ways to close a gap for fiscal year 2015.

While the city does have a reserve fund, City Administrator Butch Niebuhr says they don’t believe tapping into that is in their best interest.

“It was brought up to use general fund reserve money to make up the difference this year.  I know Susie (Moorhead) is really leery about that, that’s kind of what happened before I came into (the City Administrator’s position).  They got into a habit where they did that for quite a few years and they got themselves into the red and couldn’t find a way to get themselves out.  I don’t think that’s the direction we’re looking to go, we’re looking to have a balanced budget” says Niebuhr.

Long term, Niebuhr says it’s important for the city to look at options for potentially growing their tax base.

“We’re looking at growing the city.  I know the mayor spent a lot of time in his talks, talking about the valuations and taking care of your property and that type of thing and that we need to grow with our tax base inside the city of Perry.  And maybe grow the city limits of Perry.  Not through involuntary annexation but voluntary annexation.  All those things will be looked at.  They’re not a quick fix, those are things that will help us down the line maybe a couple years when it’ll make it easier for the city to reach those goals and maybe bring some services back or even some personnel back.”

Niebuhr, finance officer Susie Moorhead and department heads will meet again over the next couple weeks with another council work session taking place toward the middle of February.