2000/10/25 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

} October 25,2000 and fees. 11422 would void golf fee increases,permit fee increases,and gambling tax increases previously approved by the City Council. Initiative 745 mandates that 90%of all transportation spending be directed to roads.Such a requirement would reduce binding for Everett Transit as well as other transit providers,and result in sigoificaney reduced transit service for those who rely on public transit. Each of these initiatives,if approved,may be challenged in court I make no predictions on whether the voters will approve either initiative or what the results of any court challenges might be. While City revenue growth is slowing down,City expenses continue to Increase,some at significantly higher rata,such as: • Health benefit costs are expected to increase 5783,544 or 18%next year; • Jail expenses in 2000 are already 5500,000 over budges, an tease of nearly 25%,which required a budget amendment artier this year:and • Costs of complying with the Endangered Species A4 are growing and,while still unknown,remain a major budgetary concern. In addition to these significant expense increases,many other City expenses will continue to increase at lesser rates but nonetheless greater than the increase in For example,personnel costs make up approximately two-thirds of the City's expenses. It will be important for the City to fairly and adequately compensate our dedicated and talented employees,and thus,sharia and health benefit costs will continue to increase.Again,no layoffs are proposed in this budget.