City finance director Kathi Moss told council members Tuesday that a majority, more than two-thirds of the $26.6 million budget for 2014, is allocated for city operations, and approximately 20 percent of the budget has been appropriated for capital improvements. Only about $105,000 of the total budget is funded through local property taxes, she added.<\/p>\n
Moss also informed city leaders that the 2013 budget was nearly $380,000 over budget, mostly due to increased salaries as the result of a 2013 wage study. The city council voted unanimously to amend the 2013 budget.<\/p>\n
The council also approved an array of rate hikes and service fees that go into effect starting Jan. 1. The increased charges are expected to generate nearly $220,000 in total additional revenues, according to city manager Shane Hale.<\/p>\n
One of the approved rate hikes was for municipal water service. The council approved a 75-cent per month base rate increase for water to $15.50 per month. The increase is expected to generate more than $45,000 in additional revenues for the city. Consumption charges were also increased slightly, forecasting an additional $75,000 in revenues.<\/p>\n
The city council also approved residential and commercial rate hikes for trash, which are projected to generate more than $45,000 in added revenues. In 2014, residential trash rates will increase by $2.25 per month to $18 for once-a-week pickup, 2-yard commercial dumpster rates will rise from $28.25 to $32.25 per month and 3-yard dumpsters rates will surge from $41.25 to $47 per month.<\/p>\n
The council also approved multiple fee hikes for the parks and recreation department, Fee increases at the Cortez Recreation Center are projected to generate some $22,000 in added revenues, and rate hikes at the Conquistador Golf Course could also generate an additional $22,000 next year. Officials said current Cortez park and recreation fees are below average when compared to surrounding areas.<\/p>\n
The city council also set two Jan. 14th public hearings in regards to repealing and replacing a portion of the land use code to comply with new floodplain management provisions, and to vacating a right-of-way to enable Aaron\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s to relocate next door to Safeway.<\/p>\n