During the May 23 meeting of the Winslow City Council, Finance Director Elias Jouen presented the $30,920,349 million tentative budget for fiscal year 2017-18, which begins July 1. The council then approved the tentative budget.
The presentation was the next step in approving the budget, complete with public discussion.
Jouen gave a thorough overview of the intended expenditures and revenues expected in the coming year. He reported that state shared revenues for the year will include $1.3 million in Highway User Revenue Funds, $1.2 million in income tax, $912,466 in sales tax and $607,863 from vehicle license tax, for a total of nearly $4.1 million.
General fund revenue sources include $3.3 million in city sales and bed tax, $436,408 in fees, permits and other revenues, $382,596 in property tax, $225,000 in franchise taxes and $202,482 in grants.
Of note is a city-wide water meter improvement project slated to begin in early July. The new meters will offer automated readings to provide more accurate billing for Winslow water customers. Along with the meter upgrades, consumers can expect a hike in their utility costs, as the budget includes a two percent rise in consumption rates for water, and three percent for both sewer and sanitation.
Jouen explained the rise in operating costs as the reason behind the rate increases. Increases will be effective July 1.
Also included in the utility discussion was a change of water bill due date back to the 21st of the month program. Citizens are encouraged to keep an eye on their mail for official notification of the change, which will be effective June 21.
Also in the budget are increases in recreation fees, including those for swimming lessons, youth basketball, men’s basketball and co-ed sports leagues. These rates reflect the newly implemented $10 per hour minimum wage voted in by citizens in November.
The city projects a 6.7 percent increase in general fund revenues from the previous year, most coming from the one percent sales tax for capital improvements.
The budget can be viewed by the public online at the city’s website or by visiting City Hall, 21 N. Williamson Ave. City Manager Steve Pauken assured the public that it would be available in an efficient and accessible form for citizens to view.
The tentative budget was adopted by the council, with further action to take place in the coming months, including a Truth in Taxation hearing on a proposed two percent property tax levy and the final budget hearing on June 27. The public is invited to attend the hearing at the council chambers, located at 115 E. Second St.
