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The Scoop

at City Hall

PLANNING FOR VICTORIA’S 2012 BUDGET

AND LOOKING AT $230,000 IN REDUCTIONS

Councilmembers are already pondering a city budget for 2012 as well as a five-year capital improvement plan.

On June 13th Finance Director Jylan Johnson reported, "Last year the budget was based on 40 new-home permits to maintain the current service level and provide funding for Public Works, the Fire Department, capital facilities, downtown redevelopment, and to maintain a stable city tax rate of 37.4% to minimize impact to property owners." She projected a growth of 40 new home permits in Victoria per year through 2014.

Jylan said that since 2010 there has been a 7% decrease in market values and another 4% decrease is anticipated for 2012. "The city will probably see yet another decrease for 2013," she said.

"To maintain the current tax rate, the 2012 total levy must be reduced by an estimated $193,000," she said. In maintaining the same levy of $250,000 for the Victoria Recreation Center, the general fund for 2012 will need to be reduced by approximately $230,000.

Stated Administrator Don Uram, "There's a big difference between what we have on the ground and what we could see on the ground. We're looking at an increase in expenditures of 1.5%."

"We could also fund a Public Works building through a referendum," said Councilmember Kim Roden. "There are a lot of ways to get to a desired end point. Frankly, I don't know if we can do it all and maintain the current tax rate. I haven't been given how we're going to do this Public Works building."

"We're so early into the process," said Administrator Uram. "We've got some cash on hand plus we can make some deletions, which impacts our general fund. It's a balancing act."

"So we need $230,000 in reductions of expenses for 2012," clarified Councilmember Tom O'Connor. "Don't we want to proceed [with the budget process] as usual to determine what the consequences might be?"

Asked Councilmember Jim Crowley, "What happens if the wheel falls off the bus and we need to be even more conservative?"

Stated Councilmember Tom Strigel, "I personally don't think there's a much more important work we do than to figure out the most efficient use of taxpayer money." He asked to see different scenarios as to how the city might proceed.

"I don't want to raise taxes," said Councilmember Crowley. "I want to look at other alternatives."

Said Mayor Mary Thun, "We should also look at health care costs and staffing salaries. They should not be add-ons, but instead be part of the budget process. Are there other ways we can get money? We are dependent on property taxes. Unless we get more significant housing, are there other opportunities? What are we interested in?"

Summarized the mayor, "If we can't pay the bill, we don't do it! We don't deficit budget! No way!"

The mayor also commented that the city now has an unreserved general fund balance that amounts to 44% of budget. "In my mind, that is almost 50%! What's wrong with 35%?" Generally, 35% is the recommended amount for the fund balance.

In July the City Finance Committee will review drafts of the 2012 General Fund and Victoria Recreation Center budget, as well as the five-year capital improvement plan, with a workshop and preliminary drafts to be discussed in August.

VICTORIA ADOPTS EMERGENCY PLAN

FAMILIES SHOULD ALSO HAVE PLAN IN PLACE

Councilmembers adopted Carver County's Emergency Operations Plan and the City of Victoria's Elected Officials Guide to Emergency Operations. The Plan helps protect the public health, safety, and welfare of residents in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. The Guide provides general information about the role of elected officials during an emergency.

Asked Councilmember Jim Crowley, "How many other communities have done this? Is this standard practice?"

City Administrator Don Uram commented that nearly all cities have this as standard practice.

"Are they any costs associated with the adoption of that large document?"

"No," replied Administrator Uram.

Commented Councilmember Tom O'Connor, "It's an obligation. We have to have plans, but it's the microcosm of individual families to have a plan, also."

The county's Plan includes detailed procedures for personnel and identifies the resources, an inventory of materials, equipment, supplies, personnel, and organization that could be needed in the event of an emergency or disaster.

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