BUDGET
TIME – CHOICES TO BE MADE
Each year Utah State Law requires that a
tentative budget be submitted by the first City Council meeting in May with the
final adoption to be made by June 22nd.
As the May 12th Council
Meeting approached the weight of this great responsibility caused me to ponder
how best to represent the City’s interest as I reviewed City Manager’s
tentative budget. As I struggled to organize my thoughts on how best to
recognize and come to a decision on “Priority Choices” I came upon the Ensign-May
2016 General Conference Address. On page 86, I found President Monson’s message
entitled CHOICES.
“THE CHOICES WE MAKE DETERMINE OUR DESTINY”
My friends I decided to act on this
message and determined that I would present a brief outline of the budget
process for those in attendance at this public meeting including members of the
press who are expected to keep the public informed on what is taking place
within the walls of City Hall.
I
delivered the following statement.
“I can find no better words to lead us
into the Budget Process that we are about to enter into than those uttered by
one of our prominent citizens.
Our Republic opens the door to a
democratic process not only to satisfy state law concerning a Balanced Annual
Budget for the city, but more importantly it serves as a time when elected
officials make known to the public that fiduciary responsibilities are met.
It is a non-adversarial discussion and
review of the proposed budget submitted by the city manager which affords
elected officials an opportunity to establish priorities that are a reflection
of the public’s desires as they know them to be.
It then becomes the responsibility of
the city manager to develop a budget, giving due consideration to input from
the Mayor and City Council. A budget that meets expectations that, are in
keeping with state law. The city manager is entrusted with the responsibility
of executing the approved budget.
It might be said that this is where the
rubber meets the road concerning public service. It also informs our dedicated
public employees that the means to perform their duties are being provided and
that their service is appreciated and respected.” I believe this budget process to be a highlight
of transparency in city government.
Please note that I mentioned that this
budget process was to be a non-adversarial discussion. My friends, about three quarters of my way
into this statement……I was interrupted by Councilwoman Betty Arial…..Who drowned
out my remarks by stating “Get on with it, we all agree with it.” Now, I haven’t yet decided if this was merely
a continued display of poor manners or an intentional act to stop my
communicating with the public.
Perhaps it’s just a sign of our times. When you don’t like what someone is saying or
how they go about saying it, just, shout them down. Interrupt them, take over the podium. If this
doesn’t work take the microphone away from them. Disinvite them from speaking
at a public venue like major university or block the door so the speaker can’t
enter. The worst case scenario becomes a riot in the streets to deny freedom of
speech. Where and when do we take a
stand?
I do know that this is not the first
outburst I have been subjected to at the hands of Councilwoman Arial in which a
demeaning or disrespectful tone has been sounded. I want the public to know that I am trying
very hard to apply the admonition given in the referred to article. “May we
ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” I replied to
Councilwoman Arial that I appreciated her support and that my message was
intended for the public and press who were present. The meeting continued without further
interruptions in a cordial manner.
2016-2017 OUTLOOK: City continues to see
growth in population around 2.5% to 3.0% over last year. Current estimate for
sales tax revenue for current fiscal year reflects a healthy 7% growth. This
budget is based on a conservative growth rate of 3% in sales tax revenues and a
3% increase in property tax estimates for new growth for the next fiscal year.
Based on current major projects and forecasts from local and state officials,
next year should again see steady growth in all areas.
The recommended general fund budget is
$64,917,009. The expenditures are broken down in the following categories:
Personnel Services at $41,419,398, Materials and Supplies at $$16,863,643, and
Capital Outlay for $6,633,968. The General Fund is comprised of the following
departments: General Government, Public Safety, Economic Development, Public
Works, and Leisure Services.
My friends it appeared to me that the
big issues discussed dealt with changes in the Tentative Budget that had to do
with an increase in personnel for the Police Department. Growing concerns for
roads: giving special consideration to the new High School that is to be built
at the city limits of SG City and Washington City that also includes a section
of County Road. A Water Rates adjustment
caused by an increase in rates being implemented by the Washington County Water
Conservation District and growing demands to improve infrastructure. Building the Little Valley Fire Station now
appears two years away.
Further discussions are to take place in
which “Priority Choices” are to be made. I will endeavor to keep the public
informed. Thank
you.
