The City of Crowley has approved a budget for the next fiscal year.
The fiscal year begins on September 1, 2019 and ends August 31, 2020.
Mayor Tim Monceaux expressed his excitement over the budget being passed, saying, "We're going to move our city forward."
Monceaux stated that the City Council met some issues and challenges in the process of passing the budget, but overall, the council "worked diligently" to create the budget proposal.
Earlier this month, Monceaux was sent back to the drawing board after his initial proposal failed to please the council.
The city was concerned because the deadline for the budget was getting closer and closer.
If the budget hadn't passed before the end of the month, the city would be forced to work on the last adopted budget for six months, and the council would have six months to adopt a new budget.
The council was concerned city workers would see a pay cut in order for the city to tackle a $250,000 deficit.
There were concerns among citizens about the upcoming Rice Festival and whether or not the city would be able to have the festival this year.
Monceaux said that it wasn't a concern; the council was able to put some money in the festival's budget and Monceaux said, "We'll be having the festival."
The city hopes to focus on drainage problems and improvements over the next year. Also, Monceaux said they hope to work towards getting the city looking more beautiful.
Monceaux stated that Crowley's citizens are the most important part of the city.
He said that over the next year, the city will work to "help our citizens the best we possibly can."
