Proposed budget predicts strong revenue, continued growth for Washington

Washington City, May 23, 2014 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

WASHINGTON CITY – A tentative budget for the coming 2015 fiscal year has been approved for consideration by Washington City. Now, as the City Council reviews the proposed budget, the public is also invited to review the budget. City residents will be able to voice any suggestions and concerns during an upcoming public hearing to be held May 28.

The budget’s general fund is projected to be $12.9 million with an overall budget of $50.6 million, with strong revenue gains anticipated in the coming year.

City Manager Roger Carter wrote in an introductory letter summarizing the budget:

This budget anticipates strong revenues for FY 2015. General fund revenues are expected to be up 4% from FY 2014, which also saw increases over the previous year. The current revenue trend is very positive for the City. The largest revenue increase will take place in the tax areas; with sales tax anticipated to be up 6% from the previous year and property tax remaining strong, due to growth. There is no budgeted property tax increase.

With sales tax revenues ranging between 4-6 percent, Carter said it helps keep overall taxes down. The city also anticipates issuing around 510 building permits in the next year which represents a 6 percent increase in growth.

“That’s where the brunt of our general fund money comes from,” Carter said, referring to the sales and property taxes.

Highlighted capital projects include beginning construction on a new police building, a possible two-year process, Carter said, rebuilding the Staheli substation, and rehabilitation of the Gypsum flood basin. A number of street projects also listed include Sunrise Valley road, Merrill Road, 2000 South traffic signal, Green Springs Drive through-turns and Telegraph medians. Water projects list the a northern booster pump and pipeline, cathodic protection system and Cotton Mill PRV.

A 2 percent pay adjustment is also slated for some full-time and part-time city employees.

Individuals who wish to review the proposed budget can find it here, on the Washington City website, or at Washington City Hall at 111 North 100 East.

public hearing on the budget will be held during a Washington City Council meeting on May 28 at 6 p.m.

The City Council will hold a final vote on the city budget June 11.

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Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @MoriKessler

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

 

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