Title
Public Hearing on the 2015 City of Olympia Operating Budget
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee will present recommendations on the budget at the November 25 meeting. Various City advisory committees forwarded written recommendations to the Council at an earlier date.
City Manager Recommendation:
Open the public hearing and take comments on the 2015 City of Olympia Preliminary Operating Budget. At the end of comments, close the public hearing for oral presentations; accept written comments until Friday, November 21, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.
Report
Issue:
The hearing is an opportunity for the public to comment on the 2015 Operating Budget.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8370
Jane Kirkemo, Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Steve Hall, City Manager
Jane Kirkemo, Administrative Services Director
Background and Analysis:
The 2015 Preliminary Operating Budget was presented on October 28, 2014. This hearing provides additional opportunity for the Council to hear from the public on the Operating Budgets of the City. The Operating Budget includes utility rate increases and recommendations for the Lodging Tax.
2015 Operating Budget: The 2015 City of Olympia Preliminary Operating Expenditure Budget is $123.9 million representing a 3.4% increase over the 2014 budget. The General Fund, comprising the basic municipal services, is $64.5 million or a 3.1% increase in expenditures.
The utilities comprise about 45% of the total expenditures. The utility budgets include the following increases in residential rates:
Drinking Water - 6% revenue increase
Wastewater - 2% rate increase
Storm water - 3% rate increase
LOTT - 3% rate increase
Waste Resources:
Residential - 6% rate increase
Commercial - 4% rate increase
Organics - 8% rate increase
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) - Also included in the Operating Budget is the recommendation from the LTAC. Councilmember Hankins is the Council Representative on the committee. The committee recommends $248,023 in tourism service contracts for 2015. (See attachment.)
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The 2015 Operating Budget includes $23,000 for neighborhood matching grants plus $5,000 for support of the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations agreement.
Options:
Hold the public hearing. In addition staff recommends Council allow written comment until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014.
Financial Impact:
The 2015 Operating Expenditure Budget is $123.9 million. Both the Preliminary Operating Budget (including LTAC recommendations and utility rate increases) are available on the City website for public review.