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Proposed 2014-2015 Biennial Budget. July 1, 2013 Through June 30, 2015. General Fund. Issues & Options: Communications; Grants. Public Safety Fund. Library Fund. Parks & Recreation Fund. Building Inspections Fund. Planning Fund. Streets Fund. Issues & Options: Street Maintenance Fee.
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Proposed 2014-2015 Biennial Budget July 1, 2013 Through June 30, 2015
Q: if we have a SMF, why is city-wide PCI only 61? A: That is a complicated question. I would say that the street maintenance fee is a major contributor to keeping out streets in good condition. However, street expenses have historically outpaced street revenue for every City/State, not just West Linn. This is directly related to the oil industry and the way our other big street revenue source, gas tax, works. Gas taxes are a flat fee, they don’t go up with the increased price of gasoline. We get the same revenue regardless of the price of gas. In addition, cars are getting better MPG so we aren’t purchasing as many gallons. So while revenue is relatively flat, the price of asphalt (the oil based building block of roads) has gone from $35/ton to $85/ton in the past 15 years which greatly outpaces standard inflation. If asphalt followed a normal cost of living increase, it should only cost $55/ton today not $85/ton. Due to market forces outside our control, there is no guarantee of an increasing PCI. However, increasing revenue will directly result in increasing the amount of improvements being completed now. Beyond the I/O paper options, other valid options exist like a 10% increase for the next couple years that help make an improvement but get us to a better PCI over a longer period of time, without greatly increasing the burden to residents. I would also note that we are now employing every option available to every street to stretch our dollars and maximize our return on investment. If we can continue to make solid investments in roads in combination with reasonable oil/construction prices, we will see an improvement in PCI.
Capital Improvement Plan Approval • “I move to approve the six-year capital improvement plan as presented by staff and as subject to public testimony at this meeting of the Citizens’ Budget Committee…” • Second • Vote
Budget Approval • “I move to approve the budget… ” • Second • Vote
General Tax Rate Approval • “I move to approve the general operating tax rate of $2.12/$1,000 of taxable assessed value.” • Second • Vote
Bonded Debt Tax Rate Approval • “I move to approve the bond levy amount exempt from the limitations of taxation in the amount of $XXXX in fiscal year 2014 and $XXXX in fiscal year 2015.” • Second • Vote