As the budget cycle begins anew the city is looking at managing with limited resources and expenses. Last year the city not only held the line with the levy, it decreased it. The budget was tight but we have managed to hold the line with frugal expectations and actions. After the budget and levy were adopted the city received news that the amount of taxes to be expected was not in the cards as a tax appeal reduced expected revenues by $117,000. This prompted further tightening of our expenses. A lot of credit goes to employees who understand the issue and have found ways to make do or do without.
This next year prompts additional concern in managing with what we have. There is a general call to keep taxes at a rate no higher than the levy for 2011. As needs become apparent we shift resources and wrestle with how to manage going forward. Some goals may need to be forsaken and others will continue. Roads will be plowed and sanded but other areas may see less attention.
The budget is probably the largest policy document the city undertakes in a given year. It meters out all aspects of operations and expectations. It holds departments accountable and gives direction. The budget becomes the roadmap for the 2012 future.
A draft budget is being prepared and will be presented to council members at a workshop session to be held on August 16th. At that time council will look at what has been proposed and what is needed. A preliminary levy has to be certified to the county auditor no later than September 15 so will be acted on at the September 6th meeting. This preliminary levy amount can not be exceeded but can be reduced. The final levy is accomplished in December.
Any suggestions or points of concern are encouraged and should be directed to your council members. Every year the budget seems to be difficult but this year seems to be more difficult than in the past. With property values being reduced even holding the levy equal to last year may prompt increases to some property owners as values shift. It is the goal of the city to do what we can to lessen the impact but also keep services intact.
