City of La Porte Budget 1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THE F.Y 1988-89 BUDGET I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I City Manager's Message, page 2 These improvements were approved at a time when the Houston economy was at its dimmest. In La Porte, we chose to respand in positive fashion. Under the leadership of the City Council, we were able to roll back tax rates, maintain existing utility rates and rely on fund balances and retained earnings to weather the economic backlash from the Houston area. The central administrative theme of FY 1988-89 is "a commitment to planning." This theme will direct this administrations's efforts to provide quality public service delivery. It shall also enable staff to help position the City for the next scheduled bond sales. The first such sale is scheduled for December, 1988 and will be earmarked for a Solid Waste Landfill. The'second bond sale, of $3.3 million, shall occur in ~ugust, 1989 and will be restricted to water and sewer improvements. The City's FY 1988-89 budget for both the General and 'Utility Funds total $16,305,707. Compared to FY 1987-88's budget, this figure reflects a 5.91 percent increase. However, were the prop~sed Bayshore Municipal. Utility District's annexation.to be excluded, this figure would result 'in only a 2.81 percent increase over last year's budget. Three b~dgetary priorities underlie the FY- 1988-89 budget. They are the annexation of the Bayshore Municipal Utility District; the necessary preparations associated with the conversion to surface water distribution; and lastly, the costs associated with the completion of the previou~ly mentioned Bond Projects. In order to,meet this coming year's ma~ntenance and ~perational expeDses, staff is recommending the City's tax rate be increased by two (2) cents on the tax dollar. - This recommendation is no~ made 'lightly nor' without justification. - In addition to the reasons already provided, there are three additional factors which impact the necessity for the tax rate increase. First, Federal Revenue Sharing is now a fading memory and its absence is already beginning to be'felt., I believe ~ts absenc~ will continue to be felt in years to cqme.. In the ,past, Federal Revenue Sharing provided the City coffers approximately $25~,OO~ each budget year. Secondly, in -1984, the City's Parks and Recreation Department administered a total of 47 acres of .developed park land. By October, 1988, this same, department will be responsible for an additional 74 acres of park land, bringing its maintenance requirements up to 121 acres. This phenomenal development requires tha~ the City pay special attention to the operating details associated with the professional management of an expanding parkland system.