Local businesses are making their priorities known for the 2020 city budget.
At last night’s public meeting, Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson notes they want Council to spend carefully based on what the city needs right now.
“Is $25,000 better used to provide programming for low-income use, or for the Sister Cities program?”
The chamber official suggests businesses could be happy with a higher tax increase, as long as the money is for high-priority areas like infrastructure upkeep and social issues.
When it comes to spending, she also feels City Council could shrink its staff levels. Robinson says when a city employee retires, it may be more efficient not to replace that person.
She suggests they “review and revise staffing needs to better meet the future requirements” of the city.
“Chamber members are concerned about the growth of city staffing levels at a time of population decline and limited economic growth.”
Robinson says the economy has been “sluggish” recently and is not expected to grow much this year.
The Chamber official also cautions Council to be transparent about the actual dollar figures they are spending during the budget process, not only communicating in percentages.
Budget talks continue at the next meeting on Tuesday January 14.
The budget for 2020 is starting out with a proposed total tax levy increase of 3.17 percent. After certain assessment adjustments and other factors, the city says that figure is 2.32 percent.
The city says overall, the proposed 2020 municipal tax levy of $200.2 million represents an increase of $6.1 million over 2019.
