City previews 2013 budget
The city's 2013 budget forecast includes a 1.4 percent levy increase and a level mill rate.
"For the model, the mill rate is level. The model shows using some fund balance reserves in 2013," City Administrator Henry Veleker said during the council's July 17 Committee of the Whole meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to begin discussion about next year's city budget.
The projected 2013 city tax levy is $3.386 million, which compares to the present levy of $3.338 million.
Under the budget forecast, the city's mill rate would remain $9.90 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The city is set to start the 2013 budget process after Labor Day.
Mayor Brian Smith said next year's budget will be similar to the 2012 budget.
"But, it's using $310,000 in reserves, based on what we know at this point," he said.
The city believes it will likely need to use some reserves in order to keep the budget level.
Total expenditures are estimated at $8.729 million for 2013, down 1.7 percent from this year's expenditure budget of $8.884 million.
Veleker told the Common Council that on the revenue side of the budget, levy limits are still in place and that state shared revenue is anticipated to be level.
The city's assessed value is projected to be up $1.7 million, which he said would result in about $16,000 in new tax revenue, at the city's current mill rate.
The main reason for the increase is the Kwik Trip project, Veleker said.
The balance of the Jim Ash settlement - about $83,000 - is expected to assist with the budget, he said.
Veleker also said the proceeds from the sale of Waupaca Online, the city's high-speed, wireless Internet service, could be another potential source of revenue.
The city continues to seek a buyer for the service.
On the expense side of the budget, he said health insurance renewal will be on Oct. 1 and the police labor contract will need to be renegotiated later this year.
Veleker said they will need to renegotiate the room tax agreement with the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce before the budget is adopted.
This year, the city gave the Chamber $20,000 less in room tax funding, with that amount going to the city instead. The amount helped the city balance its budget.
Another topic that will be part of the 2013 budget discussion will be staffing needs.
The 2012 budget includes three months of funding for the development director position. That position has been vacant for several years, with the recruiting process set to begin.
In the Parks and Recreation Department, the director position is vacant.
It has been vacant since Ash resigned from the position in May of 2010. Parks Superintendent Russ Montgomery has been the acting director.
Also in the Parks and Recreation Department, there is a request to expand hours and programs in the senior center.
Veleker said the other staffing need up for discussion relates to the management and maintenance of the city's facilities.
"For the model, the mill rate is level. The model shows using some fund balance reserves in 2013," City Administrator Henry Veleker said during the council's July 17 Committee of the Whole meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to begin discussion about next year's city budget.
The projected 2013 city tax levy is $3.386 million, which compares to the present levy of $3.338 million.
Under the budget forecast, the city's mill rate would remain $9.90 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The city is set to start the 2013 budget process after Labor Day.
Mayor Brian Smith said next year's budget will be similar to the 2012 budget.
"But, it's using $310,000 in reserves, based on what we know at this point," he said.
The city believes it will likely need to use some reserves in order to keep the budget level.
Total expenditures are estimated at $8.729 million for 2013, down 1.7 percent from this year's expenditure budget of $8.884 million.
Veleker told the Common Council that on the revenue side of the budget, levy limits are still in place and that state shared revenue is anticipated to be level.
The city's assessed value is projected to be up $1.7 million, which he said would result in about $16,000 in new tax revenue, at the city's current mill rate.
The main reason for the increase is the Kwik Trip project, Veleker said.
The balance of the Jim Ash settlement - about $83,000 - is expected to assist with the budget, he said.
Veleker also said the proceeds from the sale of Waupaca Online, the city's high-speed, wireless Internet service, could be another potential source of revenue.
The city continues to seek a buyer for the service.
On the expense side of the budget, he said health insurance renewal will be on Oct. 1 and the police labor contract will need to be renegotiated later this year.
Veleker said they will need to renegotiate the room tax agreement with the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce before the budget is adopted.
This year, the city gave the Chamber $20,000 less in room tax funding, with that amount going to the city instead. The amount helped the city balance its budget.
Another topic that will be part of the 2013 budget discussion will be staffing needs.
The 2012 budget includes three months of funding for the development director position. That position has been vacant for several years, with the recruiting process set to begin.
In the Parks and Recreation Department, the director position is vacant.
It has been vacant since Ash resigned from the position in May of 2010. Parks Superintendent Russ Montgomery has been the acting director.
Also in the Parks and Recreation Department, there is a request to expand hours and programs in the senior center.
Veleker said the other staffing need up for discussion relates to the management and maintenance of the city's facilities.
More from Community News
- Student art on display at Waupaca High School
- Senior Recognition Ceremony at WHS
- Friends of lakes group meets at Holly Center
- Lioness blood drive May 21
- Salon celebrates anniversary with street dance
- City hires new economic development director
- More delays for Iola's bridge project (2)
- Park renamed after Jim Boyer
- Fire department plans fundraisers
- School district recognized for wellness program
1 Comment for "City previews 2013 budget
"
That's a big help - considering [b]the city never posted the 2012 budget![/b]
Step one in passing a budget: don't show it to anyone.
[quote]Veleker also said the proceeds from the sale of Waupaca Online, the city's high-speed, wireless Internet service, could be another potential source of revenue.[/quote]
Selling tickets to the flying pigs show would bring in more money.
[quote]The 2012 budget includes three months of funding for the development director position. [b]That position has been vacant for several years[/b], with the recruiting process set to begin.[/quote]
By all means, hire somebody to fill a position that the city barely remembers - let alone needs, or needed.
lastpercentile Jul 25, 2012 4:44 PM