Do you support the adoption of the budget by the City Commission?

Introduction

The City of Decatur’s Revised fiscal year 2010-2011 and Proposed fiscal year 2011-2012 budget has been presented to the City Commission and is available to the public for review. The City’s budget is scheduled to be voted upon by the City Commission on June 20, 2011. Do you support the adoption of this budget by the City Commission?

Background

City staff have prepared a balanced budget that maintains existing service levels and lowers the millage rate.  Highlights of the proposed budget include:

• Reduction of the City millage rate from 13.035 to 13 mills
• No change in service delivery levels
• Continued focus on quality of life services
• Implementation of strategic plan priorities
• Merit increases for non-probationary employees effective January 2012
• Pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements; Safe Routes to School program
• Zoning ordinance updates
• Energy efficiency programs including rebate program for homeowners and businesses
• Capital improvements-Decatur Recreation Center, Fire Station #1, and City/School partnership with renovation of Public Works facility
• Beautification projects in business districts including courthouse lawn
• Improved ball field lighting in Oakhurst and McKoy parks

The proposed 2011-2012 budget was developed around the 2010 Strategic Plan principles:

Principle A    Manage Growth While Retaining Character
Principle B    Encourage a Diverse and Engaged Community
Principle C    Serve as Good Stewards of the Environment and Community Resources
Principle D    Support a Safe, Healthy, Lifelong Community

Additionally, the budget captures an additional principle which recognizes the role of the city organization in support of Principles A through D.  

Principle E    Provide the Necessary Support within City Government to Achieve the Vision and Goals of the Community

The proposed 2011-2012 General Fund budget totals $18,815,000.  This is 1.8% higher than the adopted 2010-2011 budget of $18,488,060.  The proposed 2011-2012 budget anticipates using $1,294,500 of fund balance to close the gap between revenues and expenditures.  This would result in a remaining fund balance of approximately $5,850,000 at the end of 2011-2012 or 31% of the operating budget.  The City’s financial policies recommend maintaining a fund balance between 20-30% of the operating budget.  

Overall, the budget combines conservative revenue estimates, prudent expenditure requests, responsible use of fund balance and a commitment to the city’s strategic plan and long-term vision.  

For more detailed information about the proposed budget and City priorities, you can visit the City’s budget resources page.

A summary of the budget and descriptions of projects and programs can be found in these three documents:

City Manager’s Budget Message (1.8 MB PDF file)
Budget Narrative (5.8 MB PDF file)
Summary of Fund Budgets (0.2 MB PDF file)