Valley Grande made its 2020 fiscal budget official at its council meeting on Monday.

The council unanimously passed its budget at Valley Grande City Hall. The entire council was present: Mayor Matt Dobbs and council members Tammy Troha, Ron Sawyer, Tim White, Lamar Morgan and Jimmy Johnson.

Valley Grande’s total budget slightly increased for the third straight year, setting at $843,930. Last year’s budget was $791,370, compared to $726,930 set in 2018.

Dobbs said the council had a few meetings to finalize the budget.

“I’m pleased with our budget,” Dobbs said. “We only had a few modifications.”

Total sales tax accounts for $540,200 of the budget, which was $500,000 last year. Other sales tax is totaled at $375,000. The Sellers Use Tax is at $114,000. Tobacco tax revenue is at $15,000. Other taxes are gas tax revenue ($7,500), consumer use tax ($15,000), rental tax ($8,000) and tag and titles ($5,700).

Valley Grande devotes $290,530 to Public safety, a slight increase of $284,750 last year. Over $110,000 goes to the Dallas County Sherriff’s Office, compared to over $100,000 last year. They donate a combined $50,000 to the three volunteer fire departments in its area: $20,000 each to Valley Grande and Summerfield and $10,000 to Potters Station.

For Administration, Valley Grande also increased its payroll, going from $91,170 to $93,800. Health insurance is set at $13,500 and $5,250 allowed for retirement. Administration payroll is set at $85,900, with payroll expense set at $7,900.

Valley Grande spends a combined $15,000 on two holiday city events, the same as last year. They spend $10,000 on its annual Fourth of July celebration at Valley Grande City Park, mainly for the fireworks display. They spend $3,500 on Christmas in the Park program, held during the first week of December at Valley Grande City Park. The remaining $1,500 is used for other events.