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01111 <br /> EL/E/EET'T <br /> OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Ray Stephanson <br /> Mayor <br /> November 1, 2006 <br /> Everett residents, <br /> Council President Stonecipher, <br /> Members of the City Council <br /> and City employees <br /> I am pleased to present the 2007 operating budget for your consideration. This <br /> balanced budget identifies strategic investments in our community and City <br /> workforce while maintaining a conservative approach to financial management. <br /> The total City budget is $436 million, which includes $107 million for general <br /> government operations. Highlights include increased funding for financial <br /> reserves, city infrastructure, parks, public safety and technology. <br /> The City is now in a position of financial strength with general government <br /> revenue projected to be up seven percent over 2006. The 2007 balanced budget <br /> reflects a disciplined operating philosophy, maintenance of the rainy day fund <br /> and the fund-balance reserve as well as investments in city infrastructure. This <br /> budget maintains our responsible approach to financial stewardship. <br /> In this budget, as in past budgets, public safety is our top priority. We allocate <br /> more than $68 million — a 12 percent increase over 2006 — for continuing our <br /> high-quality, first response emergency services and public safety efforts. <br /> Additionally, we propose to add one full-time position for community emergency <br /> management education and one full-time position in our information technology <br /> department to assist our police and fire departments with their technology <br /> needs. <br /> I have had numerous and frequent conversations with Everett residents and <br /> business owners who are concerned about traffic offenses, crimes against <br /> property and the increase of identity theft. In response, I have asked our police <br /> chief to develop an action plan using crime statistics and city growth patterns in <br /> relationship to these community concerns to determine how to we can serve our <br /> residents more effectively. We expect this plan will call for additional resources <br /> for the police department. <br /> CITY OF EVERETT • 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 10A • Everett, WA 98201 • 425-257-8700 • Fax 425-257-8729 <br />