12/09/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL WORK SESSION DECEMBER 9,1998 The third handout outlines additional revenue. The current budget is anticipating a very conservative income from building permits. An additional $100,000 should be added to building permit fees. The additional revenue would reduce the tax rate to 37.15%. It was noted that building permit revenues have been based on 200 plus new homes each year. The new Comprehensive Plan will reduce the number of new home permits. Daryl said this has been considered, however there will be major new commercial building permits issued in 1999. The estimated permit revenues are partially based on commercial permits. The fourth handout outlined a tax rate of 36.0%. Staff took a better look at billable staff time. The plan is to make sure that all costs are recovered. An additional $203,000 was added to other revenue. Daryl explained that the plan was not to cut the "bare bones" budget but to generate new revenues. Kim thanked Daryl and reminded the Council that they should be aware that there will be new employees in 1999. Dave noted that the figures presented tonight, do not include any of the storm damage related reimbursements. Chris said that his budget recommendations did include some expenditure cuts and he does not see any in the handouts presented tonight. He said he hoped that the revenue calculations are on target. He noted that the City should be competitive in its fee structure. Brian explained that permit fees are regulated by the State. The Public Safety Director will be asking the Council to adopt the latest State Building Code. If adopted, permit fees will be increased. This keeps the City fee schedule competitive. It was noted that the Directors want to be realistic in their proposals because they have to make this budget work. Chris commented that the budget should be tied to the Comprehensive Plan. Kim explained that the current increase in the tax rate is due to the bond referendum for street improvements and the new civic center. Chris said that until things are linked, the City will not be able to significantly reduce its tax rate. Things will not change until at least 2004. Andy noted the prison and the regional park pay no taxes yet they require the use of our services. The City should be reimbursed for the costs of providing police and fire protection to the prison and regional park. Page 11