The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
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City begins budget process
Budget review will be among first big projects for manager
By Sue Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: January 24, 2008
Pencils are being sharpened at City Hall this month as the lengthy process begins to balance the city's budget, which totals more than $10 million.
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Each department, from parks and recreation to police, will submit a draft summary budget to City Council to dissect at the first of many work sessions scheduled for Saturday.
Mayor Gretchen Driskell urged department heads and residents to consider now what the needs and priorities will be for fiscal year 2008-2009.
"We have changed the process a bit this year on the front end, working with council earlier and asking our appointed commissioners to brainstorm to suggest strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as we move forward," Driskell said.
"We will maintain a conservative approach, though we are feeling more comfortable this year with a healthy fund balance and the prospective ACH deal."
By mid-February, department requests will be considered and by mid-March adjusted drafts will be reviewed prior to the May millage review.
The budget is adopted at the council's first meeting in June.
City Council members voted unanimously last year not to raise taxes, despite a looming threat of losing the city's biggest taxpayer, Automotive Components Holdings. The plant is now slated to stay on the Saline tax rolls under new ownership. While no jobs or many services were cut in last year's budget, none was added.
Department heads are remaining conservative this year.
"I think it's safe to say that we are being conservative and thoughtful in the budget process, which is the same posture we always take. We are still in the process of formulating our budget document and much remains to be done," said Police Chief Paul Bunten.
The numbers for the Saline Area Fire Department will remain about the same as last year. This year's operating budget is proposed at $749,677, up just slightly from last year.
"We have been very aggressive with fund-raising in recent years and, with the help and support of the community, have an excellent capital fund that we contribute to each year.
The budget review will be among the first big projects facing newly hired city manager Todd Campbell, who comes on board Feb. 11.
Residents wishing to contribute to the process or voice an opinion on city expenditures should contact a City Council member.
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380.
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