Collinsville city manager discusses budget deficit, reaching deal to keep emergency medical services

Collinsville city manager Chuck Ralls says the budget deficit is an issue he has been focused on resolving. He says the budget needed to be slashed by 20 percent, with cuts to departments including police and fire services.

"I saw that we were balancing the budget using savings or reserve funds," said Ralls. "That works for a year or two, but when you continue to do that, you deplete those savings."

What money does the City of Collinsville rely on?

Ralls says sales tax and utility revenues funds the city. While Collinsville is seeing big housing growth, it is a different story when it comes to business growth.

He says the city is expected to add nearly 4,000 homes in the next three years. However, the city does not get money from property taxes.

Ralls says more businesses coming to town would lead to more sales tax revenue.

Why is the city in a budget deficit?

Ralls says previous leadership budgeted $2 million from savings to balance the current budget. He says spending habits need to be fixed to prevent bigger issues down the road.

What cuts are being made?

Ralls says the city looked at operational costs, including staffing. City leaders also delayed some projects.

The police and fire departments were also asked to make cuts.

Will police and fire services be changing?

No, according to Ralls.

He says the city considered privatizing ambulance services, but an agreement was reached with the fire department to prevent that change.

How does the city plan to address the deficit?

Ralls hopes to be aggressive when it comes to bringing in more businesses. He says that would lead to more sales tax revenue, which would help balance future budgets.

Are there new businesses coming to Collinsville?

He says an Arby's, an O'Reilly's and a second QuikTrip are coming to town. Ralls things the biggest need is a new grocery store with the capability to accommodate the community.

What do existing store owners think about growth?

Alice Worth runs an antique store that has been on Collinsville's Main Street for decades. She is in favor of seeing more business while preserving the small town feel.

"I think that we can preserve our town and grow," she said. "I think we need growth."