Laserfiche WebLink
October u,2000 <br /> Let me summarise so there is no confusion.The sky is not falling.The <br /> City of Everett is strong financially. The problems caused by little or no <br /> revenue growth can be solved.The prnsu,ms we will be facing iv future years <br /> withCity expenses growing faster than projected revenues must be recognized <br /> and addressed. <br /> We must continue to pay close and careful attention to City finances. <br /> We will be required to set priorities and make difficult policy decisions. We <br /> will continue efforts to expand and diversify ons economy,which will <br /> strengthen our tax base.We will continue ons efforts to achieve cost savings, <br /> look for partnerships,and be creative.It will become more imyonanl for all of <br /> us o roll W our sleeves and work as a tum,both to increase revenues without <br /> increasing tax rates,and,also,to control expenses without sacrificing the high <br /> quality services and facilities our citizens eft of the City of Everett. <br /> Let me provide some additional details about the proposed budget. <br /> Revenues. As noted above,the 2001 general government budget is <br /> based on forecasted revenues of 591,802,692. <br /> Property Tues.In two weeks,City Budget Director Bill Cushman will <br /> present his property tax ordinance for City Council's consideration.There will <br /> be no increase in the regular property tax levy proposed for the second <br /> consecutive year.General fund property tun are forewtd to be$25,669,080 <br /> nut year,an increase of 5145,000 or 0.5%,primarily the result of annexations <br /> and new construction. <br /> EMS Levy.Mr.Cushman's ordinance will include a 16%increase in <br /> the EMS levy in 2001,a result of the EMS levy election in which surly 80%of <br /> citizensour voted to raise the levy to fifty ants(5.50)per$1,000 assessed <br /> valuation from forty-three cents(5.43). The additional EMS levy income will <br /> help bund en expansion of the City's EMS services which 1 will discuss lata m <br /> this message. <br /> Sales Taxa_Badgered sales tax revenues are projected to increase <br /> 6765,4S/or approximately 4%.We are in the process of retaining a consultant <br /> to rumw our sales tax forecasting methodology and the City's sales tax base. <br /> 421 <br />