City OF Elk Grove Passes Balanced Budget
Elk Grove, CA – The Elk Grove City Council unanimously approved a new city budget of $210.6 million at last night’s City Council meeting.
The $210.6 million operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 is $6.8 million more than the current year’s budget, and represents a 3.3 percent increase. The budget reflects relative stabilization in the City’s major revenue sources— property tax and retail sales tax.
“The City of Elk Grove staff and Council should be applauded for their commitment to managing a healthy, balanced budget,” said Mayor Sophia Scherman. “Last year, the City implemented a smart two-year budget plan that did not compromise the top-notch level of service that our citizens expect and deserve. The budget adopted last night fine-tunes the second year of that plan.”
The budget proposes that certain one-time expenses be funded by $1.7 million in City reserve funds, which were bolstered to $17.7 million after belt-tightening efforts in fiscal year 2009-10. The City is well positioned to weather future years of economic uncertainty with its remaining reserve balance. Officials anticipate that the City’s revenues will moderately increase as the economy recovers.
The City balanced the budget by reducing operational expenses, organizational restructuring, suspending components of employee compensation and instituting eight furlough days a year for non-sworn City staff. The budget adds a police lieutenant to oversee the City’s Animal Control and Problem-Oriented Policing units and an Emergency Operations Coordinator.
“Recent economic times have presented the greatest financial challenges in Elk Grove’s history,” said City Manager Laura S. Gill. “However, by limiting spending and prudent planning, we have been able to establish a balanced, healthy budget that allows us to provide high-quality services within our means.”
The Council also approved a five-year, $320 million capital improvement program, which includes funding for various construction projects in the City, including the Grant Line Road widening and the future Elk Grove Civic Center.
For more information, visit www.elkgrovecity.org.
Thanks to Norma Lee for submitting this press release.
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