Mayor John Marchione Presents his 2013-2014 Budget to Council

Mayor Marchione Presents his 2013-2014 Budget to City Council and the "Viewing Public"

UPDATED:  The Mayor gave a brief overview of his budget at Tuesday's Study Session with Council.  "Remember, this is a two-year budget but we're working towards a 20-year plan," said Marchione. 

Mayor Marchione stated "2012-2012 Revenue was just below budget, and expenses were 5% below."  The mayor commended staff  "for managing towards the bottom line" which created a net $9.8 million addition to the operating fund balance.

Marchione is proposing to re-invest this $9.8 million surplus into three areas:

• capital improvements
• technology
• an "innovation fund" 

At the same time, Marchione is proposing the following budget actions:

• a 1% property tax increase ($442,362)
• 2%/4% water/wastewater utility increases
• reduction of one employee (out of 620)
• a 5% transfer from the general fund to the capital fund
• focus on capital improvements in the urban centers

Marchione said "the good news is the city budget is growing slower than personal income of residents" and attributed this to "a way of being accountable to stakeholders (taxpayers)". 

Councilmember John Stilin encouraged citizens to come out to the two public Hearings on the budget, saying budget approval is the most important responsibility of their office and he sometimes "feels like the May Tag Man."   The Hearings are scheduled at City Hall on October 16 and November 20 at 7:30PM.  You can also send your comments to council@redmond.gov  

According to the Preliminary Operating Budget 2013-2014, "Total revenues over the biennium equal $581 million, including beginning fund balances and transfers; this is an approximate 7% increase [includes 1% property tax increase] over the 2011-2012 biennium."

Salaries and benefits account for the largest category of general fund expenditures (26%).   Property taxes contribute 8% to operating fund revenues with "Charges for Services" being the largest revene category at 21%.

The 2013-2014 budget is composed of an Operating General Fund and Capital Improvement Project  Fund.  Transportation (roads) constitutes the bulk of all Capital Improvements (67%) for the biennium.  Of Capital Improvement Projects 9% are "enhancements."  The remaining are either "maintenance" (28%) or "resolving deficiencies and service support" (47%). 

Only 66% of the biennium Budget for 2013-1014 goes to Infrastructure (42%) and Safety (24%).   The remainder goes to various programs as directed by a priority process: "Business Community (3%),  "Community Building" (5%), "Clean and Green" (9%), and "Responsible Government" (17%). 

By Bob Yoder