V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
V. Hugh Lewis II
Jefferson Jimplecute
The City and it’s various boards are starting work on th 2023-24 Fiscal Year budgets, yet some numbers are still unknown.
The final tax roll valuations are due to the City in the next week and that will establish projected property tax revenue for the City. But, the City is facing several decisions this year that will require additional and increased expenditures from previous years.
A projected 75% increase in cost of treated water will leave the City with an additional $166,000 in expenses and the decision on whether to pass those on to water/sewer customers has yet to be made. NETMWD, which supplies the water, provided Council with a letter to expect the 75% increase.
Also facing the City is the possible relocation of City Hall to former Central High School, if approved, and the expenses related to relocation and modifications to the campus for office uses.
Mayor Rob Baker provided Council with his set of worksheets showing the comparisons and projections for city finances. Baker said he’ll update these each week as numbers change and departments turn in their projected expenses and wish lists.
JEDCO started the budget process during their last meeting earlier in July, but, are also waiting on projections from the City on Sales Tax Revenue to determine what funds they will have to work with.
Tourism began their work on Monday of this week by hinting that they will fall short of their projected $205,000 revenue by almost $20,000.
Board president Colleen Taylor suggested cuts to next year’s budget focused on the elimination of $7,550 in ad production, photography, and special promos, as well as lowering budgeted amounts in travel, memberships, office supplies, etc., totaling about $14,000 in cuts, which would put the budget closer to this years projected income. She also suggested budgeting some of the reserve funds to account for additional needs.
The City will be meeting weekly at 6:30p Tuesdays at the transportation center for the next several weeks to finalize the 2023-24 budget.