Despite being taken out of the city’s budget, flower baskets that have decorated the city of Clintonville may return this summer.

Sue Aschliman, owner of B & H Footwear in Clintonville, presented to the Finance Committee at its meeting, Monday, Feb. 9, an idea to solicit donations to keep the flowers in the city.

Aschliman told the committee that people are willing to donate to ensure the flowers return this summer because of the beauty the flowers bring to Main Street.

Committee members thought the cost to have the flowers in the city was around $3,000, including watering by the city.

Aschliman offered to collect donations at her business, but said she preferred if the city would accept them at city hall instead.

Solicitation of donations would start as soon as the city gives Aschliman the approval to solicit donations, she said.

If approved, Aschliman said the Clintonville Chamber of Commerce would notify all its members about the opportunity to make a donation to keep the flowers in Clintonville.

In order to have the flowers for summer, the city’s source for the flowers has to start growing them now, Aschliman said.

The flowers cost $45 per basket, which is the same price as last year, she said.

Clintonville City Clerk/Treasurer Peggy Johnson said she thought the fundraising effort would raise more money than needed. If that happened, she suggested placing the excess funds in a special fund to holdover for flowers for the following year.

The committee unanimously approved sending to the council, the recommendation to allow Aschliman to proceed with a fundraising effort for the flower basket, with the money being kept in a special account. Committee chairman Mark Doornink was absent from the meeting.

The issue went before the entire council at its meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 10. Visit www.clintonvilletribunegazette.com to see if the council approved the fundraising effort.

Budget update

Interim City Administrator Chuck Kell gave the committee an update on the city’s budget. He said department heads have submitted their budget cuts to him. Each submitted cuts for three different scenarios.

Department heads have significant concerns about two of the scenarios, Kell said.

Kell said he will go through the proposals early next week.