|
- Nephi City approves tentative budget for 2011; approves revised budget for 2010
|
By Rebecca Dopp
Times-News Correspondent
Nephi City must be doing something right since only one person (besides the press) attended the public hearing to discuss the budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
Despite the ups-and-downs of the current economy, Nephi City, in general, has been able to live within it's means, say city officials. Randy McKnight, city administrator, said that because of the cooperation of the individual operating departments, who understood that revenues were going to be a challenge, the city ended the 2009-2010 fiscal year spending less than what was appropriated.
"We hope that same result will come about this year," he said.
The bad news: the budget had to be rolled back in many instances due to fallen revenues including a sales tax that fell 10-12% for each of the last two years, said McKnight.
"I compliment our departments," he stated. "They've been able to operate in such a fashion that we did not spend all our money that was allocated last year and we plan to do the same this year."
Greg Rowley, council member, pointed out that Nephi City has not had any layoffs of employees or anyone go without work. There have been some departments that have had individuals retire or step down and those positions were not replaced. Others within the department have helped pick up the slack.
Next year's budget looks to be similar to last year's budget. Most departments did not have any substantial increases in expenditures.
The police department increased their expenditures for 2011 by approximately $79,000 over last year's budgeted amount to cover two new officers. Last year's budget was also revised to show that addition, going from $750,215 to $810,000. Although there was that substantial increase, the total general fund expenditures is budgeted for $3,800 less than last year's budgeted amount.
Also seeing a jump in expenditures for 2011 is the electric fund. City officials attribute this increase to the rising cost of wholesale electricity purchases. The increase in the fund is approximately $722,000 over last year's budgeted amount.
Nephi City's capital projects are expected to take a hit. The total budgeted capital projects fund for 2011 dropped approximately $822,000 over last year's budgeted amount.
Total budgeted expenditures are $13,428,420.
Sales tax revenue looks to take another hit with an approximate $80,000 decrease over last year's $775,000 budgeted amount.
Last year's budget needed to have some revisions made to it to balance it out. The total general fund went up (to cover the new officers) as well as the electric fund (distribution system). Funds from the general fund were transferred to the capital projects fund to help cover street rehabilitation.
The council and mayor were pleased with what has been done to keep the city on track and commend those who have made it possible to keep the budget balanced.
"Compared to other cities," said Mayor Mark Jones, "we are very fortunate and very lucky and I think it's due to our administration and our departments."
|
