2B, 2013 Proposed Final Budget & Tax Levy

Home Browse Search

Memo - City Council 2013 Proposed Final Budget and Tax Levy 7 technology related items such as, Springbrook support and maintenance; IT related services, Permit Works, and software licensing. Auditing and Actuarial services are also an increase to Finance and Administrative budget. There is a Reserve/Contingency budgeted in the 2013 budget for negotiations, but not for any other purposes. Per Council direction in September, reductions have been made to Professional Services in Administration, Planning & Zoning, and the TCAAP departments totaling $30,000. $1,172 has been removed from various departments for training. Other Funds We have previously noted the changes to the EDA Fund. Staff recommends that a funding source be found for this fund in the future as the current funding source from the TIF District and the conduit debt fees will not be ongoing. There were no significant changes to the other Special Revenue Funds except that there is no transfer from the PIR Fund to the EDA fund budgeted in 2013. There are no significant changes to the Debt Service Fund. Capital Funds were discussed at in October and the changes requested during those discussions have been incorporated into this budget. The Fee Schedule was also discussed in October and those changes, as previously stated have been incorporated into the budget. 2013 Rate Increases Enterprise Funds have been evaluated and changes made to accurately reflect economic conditions and historical trends. An Water 7% updated rate study will be done and presented to the City Council at Sanitary Sewer 2% the worksession. The rates included in the proposed budget are Surface Water 3% from the 2008 Rate Study. GENERAL INFORMATION A final levy is established and certified in December. As Council knows, once a preliminary levy is established, the amount can be reduced,but it cannot be increased. It should be noted that the 3.0% levy increase provides no opportunity to build fund balances in capital funds (Park Fund, PIR/Capital, and Public Safety). The final budget includes the use of $20,453 in reserves to balance the budget. In order to finalize the budget, it would be helpful to have additional Council input. This would include reaffirming the final levy amount and indicating any other concerns or priorities. DIRECTION REQUESTED: 1. Direction to staff regarding the 2013 final levy. 2. Further direction to staff regarding 2013 budget. -9-