Title
Continued Discussion of the 2016 Operating Budget
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
• The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) recommends tourism service contracts in the amount of $250,035 (summary attached).
• Finance Committee reviewed and approved utility rate recommendations at its October meeting.
• Utility Advisory Committee reviewed utility rates (letter attached).
• Finance Committee reviewed the 2016 critical needs at their September meeting.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to review and ask questions. Action will be taken later.
Report
Issue:
Staff’s review will focus on LTAC recommendations, utility rates including general facility charges (GFCs), impact fees (including Olympia School District), criminal justice funding, and 2016 critical needs. However, any part of the budget may be discussed.
Staff Contact:
Jane Kirkemo, Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Julie Hankins, Olympia City Council, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Chair
Steve Hall, City Manager
Jane Kirkemo, Administrative Services Director
Ronnie Roberts, Police Chief
Andy Haub, Water Resources Line of Business Director
Background and Analysis:
The 2016 Preliminary Budget was presented to the City Council on October 27. The City of Olympia’s preliminary 2016 operating budget is $128.7 million. The General Fund portion is $64 million. The operating budget includes increases in utility rates, GFCs, impact fees, and a 1% property tax increase.
Additionally, the LTAC met and made funding recommendations. RCW 67.28.1816 defines City Council’s role regarding LTAC recommendations:
(ii) The local lodging tax advisory committee must select the candidates from amongst the applicants applying for use of revenues in this chapter and provide a list of such candidates and recommended amounts of funding to the municipality for final determination. The municipality may choose only recipients from the list of candidates and recommended amounts provided by local lodging tax advisory committee.
The LTAC Chair, Councilmember Hankins, will make this presentation.
The Preliminary Budget, as well as the Preliminary Capital Facilities Plan, is posted on the City’s website, olympiawa.gov. Additionally, the budget document is available for review in the City Clerk’s office, the Olympia Timberland Library, and the Evergreen State College.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A - Council will hold a public hearing on November 17.
Options:
Discuss, review, and request additional information from staff.
Financial Impact:
The total operating revenues are $128.7 million.