The Budget

Below are excerpts taken from the minutes from July 9, 2007 Nederland City Council meeting concerning the next fiscal budget. I broke them down so that it can be easily read.

The proposed 2007-2008 budget for all funds totals $17,866,730.

Projected revenues: $7,266,709
Anticipated expenditures: $7,666,709.

Fund balance:
as a result of a temporary increase in sales tax collections, in the amount of $400,000 will be utilized to offset this difference which reflects a transfer to the Equipment Replacement Fund-General Fund.

City Manager, Andre' Wimer said based upon information received from the Jefferson County Appraisal District, it appears that there will be a substantial increase in taxable values. Due to the amount of the increase a tax rate has not been projected at this time. The tax roll will be certified on or near July 25, 2007. At that time, it will be possible to then propose a tax rate for FY 2007-2008.

Significant changes in the General Fund are as follows:
Expenditures in the Legal Department have increased by $9,020 primarily as a result of an increase in monthly legal fees;

Contractual Services increased by $13,000 due to anticipated additional costs paid to the Jefferson County Appraisal District;

$19,200 increase for the purchase of nine (9) self-contained breathing apparatus air bottles and four (4) sets of bunker gear in the Fire Department;

$3,200 for the purchase of four (4) tasers in the Police Department;

$63,044 increase in overtime in the Police Department;

$4,000 increase for Extra Help in Police-Prisoners due to the establishment of an increased and more routine use of inmate labor;

$25,000 increase in Public Works Administration for the implementation and enforcement of Federal and State stormwater regulations;

$175,000 for major street repairs;

$14,800 total increase in all departments for electricity;

$9,000 total increase in all department for fuel costs; and various Extra Help line items throughout the General Fund reflect increases due to the scheduled increase in the minimum wage in accordance with Federal regulations.

The budget for Water Treatment:
significant increases for chemicals, $12,100, and electricity, $10,000, both of which are due to current market conditions.

$90,000 has been included for repair and rehabilitation of the Canal Avenue water tower and $10,000 for painting the water filter room at the Water Treatment Plant.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant budget includes $20,000 for electricity costs in addition to amount allocated within the operations agreement with Severn Trent Environmental Services, Inc.

The Solid Waste Fund:
includes a transfer to the Equipment Replacement Fund-Solid Waste Fund in the amount of $172,319 due to the significant increase in cost for both garbage and trash trucks. The proposed budget reflects an increase of $14,000 for fuel expenditures. Also included is $7,000 for the purchase of GPS hardware and software for Solid Waste Department vehicles, and video equipment to monitor unauthorized trash dumping.

The Equipment Replacement Fund- General Fund:
$63,000 for the purchase of one (1) police car, one (1) car for the Inspections Department, and one (1) 3/4 ton pickup truck for the Shop. The Equipment Replacement Fund-Water and Sewer Fund includes $22,000 for a 3/4 ton pickup truck for the Water Distribution/Sewer Collection Department, and the Solid Waste Fund includes $195,000 for the purchase of a garbage truck.

The budget for Central Dispatch:
creation of one (1) additional Telecommunications Operator position; a Contingency amount of $25,000 as a means of attempting to increase the available fund balance; and a $10,000 transfer to General Fund to reimburse the City for administrative costs incurred in the operation and oversight of Central Dispatch. In order to fund these proposed expenditures the contribution to Central Dispatch will be based upon $1.19 per capita, which will increase Nederland's portion by $13,999.

Total debt service requirements for FY 07-08: $2,043,925.

Personnel issues:
the budget includes a three and one half percent (3.5%) cost of living increase for employees. Mr. Wimer stated that the proposed budget attempts to maintain sufficient levels of reserve funds, while allocating estimated revenues for operational expenses.

July 9 Minutes

My Thoughts:
Seems like I've heard these same words last budget time. The city council and EDC must come together speed up the process of attempting to attract business to the property on hwy 69 and in Nederland as a whole. This city needs a balance between locally owned business and corporate businesses like an Old Navy just for an example. The citizens of Nederland deserve to know why it's taking so long. When you have a city right across the street attracting new businesses Nederland sits and watch. Wasting opportunities.

If we keep electing the same people in office you will get the same results.

Which is what?.....