2004/10/27 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

October 27,2004 2005 BUDGET PRIORITIES PUBLIC SAFETY Public safety remains a top priority for Everett.The quality of life in our communky depends to a great extent on whether our residents feel safe and secure in their homes and at work. In total,Everett employs 362 uniformed personnel in public safety positions. These dedicated individuals provide high quality,first response service to our community in the event of emergencies as well as safety training,participation in homeland security end emergency management. The 2000 budget affirms the City's commitment to these essential services by preserving existing funding levels for the Police and Fire departments.Public safety expenditures account for more then half of the total General Government budget. CAPITAL INVESTMENT Maintaining the City's infrastructure at an optimal level is key to attracting private sector interests to our city as well as avoiding much more costly repairs in the future.I am pleased to note that this budget includes$1.6 million for our street overlay program. Asa result of the adoption of the new Fund Balance policy,we will be proposing to move$5.7 million from the general fund to our capital reservewhere it will be available to pay for needed capital improvements throughout the city. We will pace additional capital investments with our economic recovery. FCONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The coy of Everett is experiencing a positive level of new growth.People are rediscovering Everett and choosing to locate hem. Bringing new businesses to Everett and working to help our existing businesses prosper re key to improving our sty's economy. Our Economic Development staff actively meets with developers and businesses to market our city as a quality location In the Puget Sound Region. According to statistics provided by our Engineering and Public Services Department,the total value of construction In the city year-to-date Is in excess of$66 million.This activity includes new housing units valued et 330