DERIDDER — The city of DeRidder is proposing to adopt $14.3 million in expenditures for fiscal year 2014-2015, allotting over $1.9 million more than the previous year.

The proposed budget, slated for City Council approval during the Sept. 8 meeting, reflects a significant increase in revenue over last year. General fund revenue is expected to generate $8.4 million, compared with last year’s $5.9 million.

Finance Director Ginny Brand attributes this to a nearly $2 million increase in intergovernmental grants, with $1.2 million coming from the state for a new pool facility.

Line items in general fund revenue increased slightly across the board from last fiscal year with increases in city taxes, licenses and permits, fees, interest, and rent and grants.

Expenditures will also increase, with the biggest chunk of the pie going to the city’s recreation department. The proposed $2.2 million, Brand said, is set aside for the recreation department and will pay for a new indoor pool facility; $100,000 has already been spent on the project.

Budgeted operating expenditures exceed revenues because the city has to attribute for depreciation and other post-employment benefits, according to Brand. Expenditures exceed revenue by $339,800.(MGNonline)