The Centertown Board of Trustees approved the 2020 village and waterworks budgets at its monthly meeting May 28.
Village Clerk Debra Baker said the fiscal year 2020 budget is in line with previous years.
The fiscal year began June 1, 2019, and includes $88,300 in village expenses and $48,900 in waterworks expenses. Combined, the budgets include $38,100 for salaries. Other expenses are rent, postage, election and dues.
A $15,000 deficit from water tower engineering will be covered by the village investment account. The account would be reimbursed upon receiving a Department of Natural Resources loan, according to an ordinance passed by the board.
The village is working with Bartlett & West of Jefferson City to increase the pressure of the drinking water and safety of the tower.
Bartlett & West project engineer Gary Davis said Centertown submitted a strong application to DNR and will likely receive funding.
"Right now, we are waiting on grant funding agencies to tell us what funds are available for the project," Davis said.
The current water tower was built in the 1950s and the lead paint on the exterior would be expensive to replace, he said. The project will include removing the tower, and a replacement would be nearly twice as tall.
A new tower would provide safer access for maintenance. The height increase will enhance drinking water pressure for residents.
"The problem is it's way too short," Davis said. "A short tower means that the water pressure is low in areas of town."
Once construction begins, the village could receive reimbursements for previous engineering at the site.
Baker said the $15,000 in construction municipal improvement is intended for potential road projects. Those include the alleyway between Mill and Pine streets as well as a gravel road at U.S. 50 and Lake Shore Drive.