Managing Editor

Thomaston City Council members Tuesday night approved a $20 million budget for fiscal year 2005.

The city's new budget calls for a two percent pay increase for municipal employees.

Also, as part of the budget, the fee for household garbage pickup in the city will increase by $1.10 per month.

The budget, approved by council without discussion, increases water rates by eight cents per 1,000 gallons and sewerage rates by 11 cents per 1,000 gallons.

City Manager Patrick Comiskey said the city is "moving in the right direction" when it comes to financing.

"We still have a ways to go in the General Fund taxes to get back where we were in 2001, yet forward progress is a positive sign," the city manager said. "The City Council took aggressive steps over the past two years to reduce personnel costs, and this has kept the city from having to raise property taxes."

Comiskey said the city continues to lose jobs in the manufacturing sector, having lost 100 jobs, but said the retail sector, especially with the opening of a new Home Depot Store this year and a Wal-Mart in 2002, looks bright.

"Hopefully, these and other retailers will contribute to increased sales tax revenues," the city manager said.

Council members praised the city manager for a job well done in preparing a fair budget which meets the needs of the city employees and community.

Deputy Injured

A deputy with the Upson County Sheriff's Department Monday night was treated and released from Upson Regional Medical Center following a wreck which occurred on the city's downtown square.

According to reports, Deputy David Walker was taken to the hospital after the Ford Crown Victoria patrol car he was driving was struck broadside by a Hyundai driven by Farida Varani of Thomaston.

The crash occurred about 8:30 p.m. According to reports, Deputy Walker was driving southbound on Church Street. As he came under the traffic light at Main Street, his car was struck broadside by the Hyundai.