Ravenna looking for ways to make money

The Ravenna City Council discussed multiple ways to earn money for the city, as it approved the 2013-2014 budget.
In her first meeting as a council member, Amy Crowe suggested a way to make money for the city while Kiwanis Little League ball is still happening.
“We could set up by the pitching machines and people would pay $1 and that money would go back to the city,” she said.
Mayor Estine Tipton said this wouldn’t interfere with the money earned for the park, specifically the money earned when drivers pay $5 per carload at the park.
“Kiwanis collects that money and it all goes straight to the park,” she said. “This that Amy’s doing would be just for the city, and it would be separate.”
The council agreed to let Crowe ask officials at the ballpark and with their permission, she could begin setting up on game nights.
Councilwoman Tina Johnson also suggested a money-making venture for the council.
“I was thinking we could host a community yard sale and sell permits for $5,” she said. “Everyone who set up a yard sale that weekend would have to pay for the permit and the city would keep that money.”
She said if the community yard sale went well this year, they city could consider doing it again next year during the HWY52 yard sale.
The council agreed to let permits be valid for a three-day window and scheduled the community yard sale for Aug. 2-4.
Permits can be purchased now, but will not be valid until Aug. 2.
Councilman William “Pig” Van Cleve discussed asking for help with the park.
The council has discussed requesting help multiple times and agreed to set up a committee to talk with Estill County Judge-Executive Wallace Taylor and Irvine Mayor Ernest Farmer. Councilman Louis Officer, who was not at Monday’s meeting, was elected to head-up the committee.
Van Cleve said he wants the city to write a letter requesting the money and if there isn’t a response to the letter, then follow-up with a meeting.
The council agreed to ask for assistance with the Veterans Memorial Park in Ravenna several months ago,
Van Cleve said he believes it’s only fair for the other local governments to help.
“The majority of the people who use the park aren’t even from Ravenna,” he said. “The whole county uses this park, they should want to help out with its upkeep.”
In other business, the council:
•Approved the second reading of the amended 2012-2013 budget.
•Approved the second reading of the 2013-2014 budget.
•Approved the financial report, which included the final payment, of more than $1,200 on a Sam’s Club credit card for the city.