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January is the usual time for the state of the city address by the mayor. Highland Mayor Jay Franson decided it would be more appropriate as the tentative budget for the next fiscal year, 2008-09 was presented for a public hearing at the June 3 City Council meeting.
"It is appropriate to look at the end and beginning of the budget year," he said. "It is consistent with my belief that the budget sets policy. Our revenue is up $500,000 over last year. Distributions are approximately the same percentages as last year. Even with the economic downturn we are ahead of last year. It is not like doomsday when building dries up. This does not reflect any property tax increase either."
"The expenditures are about the same relationship as last year. It represents a $130,000 decrease from last year. This is along with the major things we spent money on this year -- the justice and city building as well as the fire station."
Franson praised the staff for being careful in the expenditures of the public money. However he warned the council, "Sometimes it is easy to trip over a dollar to pick up a dime. We are planning on increasing the fees for those who are actually using them."
"The city is all about improving the quality of life by providing good public services," Franson said. "We have done a terrific job on our roads, streets, trails and public parks. We have finished master plans for sewer and culinary and pressurized irrigation water and storm drains and geo-hazards. We are doing the planning by looking ahead. We are planning the dedication of the Veterans Memorial in November on Veteran's Day in the cemetery. It was in excellent condition on Memorial Day."
Franson proposed spending more money on the Highland Glen Park.
"It is a jewel down there," he said. "I propose we put $50,000 in the budget toward improvements. In the future it will be looked upon as one of the finest urban parks in the area. We need to upgrade the pavilion so it can be used more and add a couple nice picnic tables."
He proposed transferring $150,000 from the city's reserve account to the library to make sure there are enough books on the shelves at the opening.
He also proposed adding a new part time position for someone to take minutes at the City Council meetings.
"Gina has spent much of her time recording lately cemetery plots," he said. "We are paying quite a bit for the city recorder to be a typist."
City administrator Barry Edwards said, "It would cost between $6-10,000 to hire a part time clerk." The position would not require benefits.
The budget will be on the council's next agenda for approval. |
