Title
Public Hearing on the 2023 Preliminary Operating Budget
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold the second public hearing and receive testimony on the 2023 Preliminary Operating Budget.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a second public hearing and receive testimony on the 2023 Preliminary Operating Budget.
Staff Contact:
Aaron BeMiller, Finance Director, 360.753.8465
Presenter(s):
Aaron BeMiller, Finance Director
Joan Lutz, Budget and Fiscal Manager
Background and Analysis:
2023 Preliminary Operating Budget
The 2023 Preliminary Operating Budget was presented to Council on October 4, 2022. The preliminary budget maintains basic service levels and programs as well as program enhancements in priority areas. This hearing provides additional opportunity for the Council to hear from the public.
The 2023 Preliminary Operating Budget appropriates $185.0 million for expenditures, a 6.8% increase from the 2022 Operating Budget. The Preliminary General Fund, which is part of the Operating Budget, covers basic core municipal services (i.e. Fire, Police and Parks) with appropriations of $94.5 million, a 0.73% increase over the 2022 budget.
The 2023 Preliminary Operating Budget includes appropriations to fund:
1. General Fund - basic core municipal services such as Administration, Engineering, Finance, Facilities, Fire, Human Resources, Information Services, Municipal Court, Legal, Parks, Planning, Police, Transportation, etc.;
2. Debt Service Funds - debt service to support outstanding debt obligations;
3. Enterprise Funds - utility operations: Drinking Water, Wastewater, Storm Surface Water, Waste ReSources;
4. Specials Funds - appropriations for lodging tax recipients, Housing and Homelessness programs, Inspire Olympia, Parking and Business Improvement Area; etc.; and
5. Operating transfers between funds, including revenues collected through special revenue and utility funds that will be transferred to the capital budget to support projects.
The Preliminary Operating Revenue estimates are based on realistic, albeit slightly conservative, forecasts to help ensure revenues come in as budgeted to meet operating expenses.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The 2023 Preliminary Operating budget serves as a financial plan, planning document, and communications tool on resource generation and the planned services, and cost of those services, for the coming year.
Options:
1. Hold the public hearing to provide an opportunity for input from Olympia residents and the community.
2. Move the public hearing to a future City Council meeting.
Financial Impact:
The 2023 Preliminary Operating Expenditure Budget is $185.0 million.
Attachments:
Link to 2023 Preliminary Operating Budget