Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Bellevue prepares for tight budgeting

Appropriations down, property taxes up


By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

The city of Bellevue is bracing for tight operating expenses for fiscal year 2011 as the budgeting season approaches. City officials plan to present a draft budget by the end of July for City Council review and public hearings.

Current projections indicate that the city budget will drop about 4 percent, from just under $1,115,000 in 2010 to just over $1,087,000 in 2011.

Council Chair Chris Koch referred to the relatively low amount of money expected from state appropriations next year as an "alarming figure."

"We have to keep a close eye on the budget this year," Koch said.

The city expects funds apportioned from the state tax on liquor sales to be down 24 percent, from $75,608 to $57,564; the highway apportionment to be down 4 percent, from $73,887 to $71,664; and state revenue sharing to be reduced 6 percent, from $114,663 to $107,788.

City officials expect county revenue sharing to drop 20 percent, from $15,518 to $12,473.

These figures, presented to the City Council on Thursday, May 27, take into account a projected final disbursement of funds from the state and county by the end of July.

On a positive note, the city expects to see a 6 percent increase in property tax revenue, from $502,628 to $532,666. Franchise fees are also expected to increase by 6 percent, from $70,000 to $74,205.

Building permit fees are expected to drop by 46 percent, from $15,000 to $9,628.

The city will hold a series of public hearings on proposed expenses in August and set a final budget by September.

"We just need to stay tight in how we run the city," Councilwoman Tammy Schofield said. "But then again, we never have been big spenders."

In other Bellevue news:

· Setbacks for accessory buildings, such as garden sheds, have been reduced. For details, call the Planning Department at 788-2128.

· The Marshal's Office warned residents to lock their vehicles at the onset of summer, when thefts are expected to increase.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com




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