There are within the city's budge, items of a discretionary nature, (affecting the quality of life of residents) and those that are non discretionary but necessary.
When a discretionary item or project is adopted, often it comes with mandates that need to be complied with, coming from the state.
(I understand this. Like when a citizen goes to put in a concrete patio, or repair a leaking roof, you might find requirements to invest in mandates not directly connected to your immediate concerns or intentions. I'll speak to this at a later time.)
The city's public utilities services have the greatest number of mandates.
On Feb. 23, 2010, the city council will be presented with the initial revenue estimate for the budget of 2011.
The City Manager expects a 15 to 17 pecent decrease in property values this year which will result in a lost of revenue to the city of 1.8 million dollars to 2 millions dollars.
(This decrease in property value will be mentioned in POAN's editorial about
ignoring the needs of the elderly.)
Ted Nofel(sp?) asked the city council to have a special session in a budget meeting to
go over the city debts. He does not think it is made clear when discussion budget
items at city budget meetings.
Also , Ted wants the city council to consider not complying with some state mandates.
A citizen, Paul, wants the city council to clearly state what the city's assests are.
Also, he offers the city council his services in reviewing budget issues.
posted 2 2 10 at 748 pm
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Received from Craig E. Young
Port Orange, Fl.
Nov. 2, 2009
Henry,
I see the City Council and the City Manager are going right back to the City's next budget!
And to celebrate this Festive Occasion,
I have prepared an outline of the City Manager's next BUDGET MEMORANDUM.......and its Forward Looking Statement....
The City Manger's next Budget Memorandum;
Dear, City Council
I Expects......
I Projects......
I Anticipates.....
I Plans.....
I Intends.....
The figures indicate....
Forward-Looking Statements:
This above Budget Memorandum may contain forward-looking statements based upon my current expectations, estimates and projections. And as you know, I will update you on any of the above forward-looking statements I have made, as a result of new developments or new information. However, I'd remind the City Council, all my statements that I made above that address my expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the City's future growth, expected expenditures, expected revenues, and financial results are forward-looking statements.
Some of my forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “indicates,” and similar expressions. ( Including Oh! My God!)
These factors include, but are not limited to; changes in State and Federal laws, regulations, policies, economic conditions, and property valuations........as well as the price of gas, steel, electricity, fire trucks, paper clips, sprinkler heads, pensions, rubber bands, diesel fuel, medical insurance, bulldozers, salaries, FISH, dental insurance, concrete, wages, computers, medical insurance, copy paper, asphalt, police cars, property insurance, cell phones, soccer balls, etc. etc. etc........As well as the successful integration of the structural changes I have previously presented, and that were approved by City Council........
And If I missed anything, please bring that to my attention, so I can Update You .....On my next Forward Looking Statement.....
MY COMMENTS AGAIN.....
ALL KIDDING ASIDE........
I think its a Good Idea, that our City Council and our City Manager get together NOW, and start a discussion on what next year looks like......revenue and expenditure wise.....from the City's standpoint.
But maybe we should give them our own Forward Looking Statements, concerning our own "expected expenditures, expected revenues, and financial results" ?
