GOOD HOPE — The City of Good Hope continues to grow, and the city’s budget has grown along with it.

The Good Hope City Council passed a $2.05 million budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 during its regular meeting Monday night, a big increase from six years ago when the city had a budget of less than $1 million, said Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett.

“I’m proud that’s happening,” he said. “That shows we’re growing.”

The budget includes a little more than $106,000 in property tax revenues and more than $970,000 in sales tax revenue, along with more than $190,000 in alcohol revenue.

When the alcohol fund was first established it was bringing in less than $100,000, and now it’s up to $195,120 for the year, Bartlett said.

“It’s hard to believe,” he said. “That’s a pretty good stream of revenue.”

Along with the alcohol fund, the city’s cash reserves and economic development fund — which was created last year after the city passed a half-cent sales tax increase — have also seen growth.

Combined, those three funds have more than $700,000 in discretionary funding that is not being used in the budget and is available for the city down the road, Bartlett said.

“That’s pretty sound,” he said.

There are a few capital improvements and road projects included in the budget, including the paving of Gold Mine Drive and East Moerhing Road and working with the county to replace the bridge on Doss Road.

The budget also includes a 3 percent raise for all employees, and the city will now cover health insurance for the families of full-time employees.

“I just think it’s going to be a plus for our people,” Bartlett said. “For hiring people and keeping them, and that’s why I want to do this for our workers.”

The Good Hope City Council’s next meeting is set for Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Good Hope City Hall.