The city of Mexico has set aside almost $2.2 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year general fund for 26 capital projects.

The money will cover improvements such as new training room lockers for the Mexico Public Safety Department, stormwater work and pipe replacement, mini-skid steer attachments for use at the cemetery and so on.

Most are relatively minor expenses. But $1.2 million will go toward a new aerial fire truck.

According to Mexico city manager Bruce Slagle, the amount will be covered by an American Rescue Plan Grant. Because of this, as well as funds set aside for project reserves, the city will not need to dip into money for recurring operations.

"There are some large ticket items in the near future," Slagle explained, citing repairs to the Teal Lake Dam and Town Branch improvements. However, the current budget is in line.

"Unnecessary expenses have been removed, personnel costs have been controlled and program efficiencies have been implemented," he said.

In addition to the aerial fire truck, MPSD will receive a thermal imaging camera and mobile data terminals totaling $43,000. Another $69,000 is in the budget for a patrol vehicle.

Code Enforcement was approved for a midsize truck.

Some of the larger expenditures planned for the year include $90,000 toward Lakeview Dam improvements and $35,000 for a culvert replacement on Pollock Road. Forestry has a budget of $95,000 for a brush grinder.

The cemetery requires a new storage building, with $85,000 set aside for the project. The street department needs to replace a flat bed trailer and purchase two new vehicles. A total of $126,000 is alloted for these.

In addition, the city must find a new dump truck, with $135,000 budgeted. The elevator rebuilding project at City Hall will run $155,000.