Title
Public Hearing on the 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget, Utility Rates, General Facility Charges, and Impact Fees
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing and receive testimony on the 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget, Utility Rates, General Facility Charges, and Impact Fees
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing and receive testimony on the 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget, Utility Rates, General Facility Charges, and Impact Fees
Staff Contact:
Joan Lutz, Budget & Fiscal Manager, Finance Department, 360.753.8760
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City Manager discussed the 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget with the City Council on September 17, and October 8, and held a Study Session on October 22. Council also held a Public Hearing on October 29th to hear public testimony.
The 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget maintains basic service levels and programs, includes limited enhancements in priority areas, and significant expenditure reductions in the areas of personnel, general professional services, equipment, supplies, and other areas.
The 2025 preliminary operating and capital budgets also includes revenue and expenses from utility rates, General Facility Charges (GFCs), and impact fees. On October 29th, City staff presented Council with recommendations to the 2025 utility rates and GFCs for the four utilities - Drinking Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Waste Resources as well as Transportation, Parks, Olympia School District, North Thurston School District, and Development Impact fees.
This public hearing provides Council an opportunity to hear testimony from the public. Final budget balancing is scheduled for November 19th. Adoption of both the 2025 Operating Budget and the 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan is scheduled for December 10, 2024.
The 2025 Preliminary Operating Budget appropriates $243,822,895 million for expenditures with a General Fund total of $113,940,427. The appropriation also includes expenditures for Special and Internal Service Funds. The General Fund, Special Revenue, and Internal Service expenditures will be considered by Council under separate ordinances on December 10.
Climate Analysis:
No specific climate impacts are identified as a result of holding the public hearing. However, the 2025 Operating Budget contains funding to continue our Climate Work Plan.
Equity Analysis:
No specific equity impacts are identified as a result of holding the public hearing. However, the 2025 Operating Budget contains funding to continue our internal/external Equity Work Plans.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Members of the community may have an interest in this agenda item as it deals with City finances, direct delivery of services and programs, and fiscal governance.
Financial Impact:
The Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget appropriates $243.8 million with a General Fund total of $113.9 million.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing on the Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget.
2. Do not hold a public hearing on the Preliminary 2025 Operating Budget.
3. Reschedule the public hearing to future date.
Attachments:
Presentation
Preliminary Operating Budget