The Butler Redevelopment Authority on Thursday adopted a $127,284 budget for 2019.

Expenses are down from this year's budget, despite the budget containing salary increases.

“Our expenses are down about 10 percent from what we budgeted,” said Brian McCafferty, authority board treasurer.

He commended the staff and board for paying off some debts this year while working with a conservative budget.

An outstanding bill for accounting services and $17,000 owed to the city were paid, McCafferty said.

The opening of the Marriott Springhill Suites, which completed the Center City development project, was an accomplishment for the authority and the city, he said.

“That's a huge success for this town,” McCafferty said.

The budget includes salaries of $49,362 for the acting executive director and $39,594 for the rehabilitation inspector.

Other major expenses include $16,248 for other costs, such as insurance, office supplies and equipment, phone and internet service and office maintenance and $13,600 for such contract services as legal and financial services.

The authority's revenue comes from Community Development Block Grants.

In other business, the state Department of Community and Economic Development denied the authority's request for funding to buy property on Cedar Street for an enclosure for unsightly trash bins used by businesses in the area, said Veronica Walker, acting authority executive director.

“They said it benefits the business owners more than it benefits the community,” Walker said.

The authority would have to look into other funding sources if it wants to continue to pursue the project, she said.

The board also agreed to continue holding monthly meetings at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday.