Requests for money were the order of the day as the Smithville Board of Mayor and Aldermen began prioritizing municipal expenditures for the coming year, listening to need assessments from its department heads.

“We spend so much time fundraising,” revealed Chamber of Commerce Director Suzanne Williams in asking for a slight increase in the city’s contribution to the chamber. She wants $15,000 which is a $5,000 increase from the city’s normal outlay to her department. DeKalb County contributes $17,500.

Williams, who noted she is on 14 boards and often finds herself having to do fundraisers to make ends meet at the 260-member Chamber, pointed out that other nearby counties fund their chambers of commerce much better, some providing profits from hotel and motel taxes while others use dock fees at their marinas to help.

Williams pointed out that places like Sparta give $30,000 to its Chamber while Clay County, home of Dale Hollow Lake, gives its Chamber $140,000.

She noted the lower contribution comes despite the fact DeKalb County had the third largest increase in tourism dollars this past year, with visitors spending $45 million here.

Along with Williams’ request, City Police Chief Mark Collins told the board he would like to have another full-time officer and upgrade the pay scale for officers to keep pace with the sheriff’s department, which recently got a pay scale hike. The chief also noted there needs to be plans made to relocate the undersized police headquarters.

Fire Chief Charlie Parker also wants another full-time employee and a raise for himself. The department is made up of volunteers aside from Parker who says he would like to someday see as many as six full-time positions in city department.

First reading of the budget is being planned for Thursday.