After six months of debate and extensions, the Town of Argo passed its FY10 budget last week.

The budget, approximately $816,300, was approved in a 4-2 vote.

Argo Mayor Paul Jennings brought budget numbers to the town council, however, he voted against the proposed budget plans. Councilman Steve Medori joined him.

The budget set aside a total of $383,305.67 for fixed expenditures including salaries, legal fees, bills, etc. and $432,994.22 for police and fire. It has not yet been decided how the departments will split the amount. The fire department has asked for $270,000 and police department asked for $246,000.

Since October, Argo’s mayor and council have spent countless hours mulling over the budget, which has been in dire straits since they took office in 2008. A number of ideas, including bingo, have been brought up over the past couple of years in order to help the town’s finances.

Argo has also borrowed money from the Alabama League of Municipalities to allow the town to operate as well as received money from the St. Clair County Commission for capital improvements.