Budget - Introduction
Township Council received its first look at the proposed 2007 budget on Monday afternoon. Senior staff, led by administrator Mark Bakken walked us through a large binder of material, looking at (what I think are) two important budget reforms, some service improvements, changes to user fees, and a list of capital requests.
We weren't a full council, as Councillor Richter was away. We refrained from voting on the entire package, deciding only to receive it for information and send it on to the public open houses tomorrow and Friday for more feedback. Rest assured, if I get my way, this budget will change before we consider giving it first reading.
For the balance of these posts, the dollar increases are based on a $341,000 property assessment. I should note that our tax rates are lowered in relation to assessment increases to ensure that the Township doesn't "double-dip." I think SkookumChuck asks me that every year.
Right off the top, let me say this. I take budget time very seriously. It is the most difficult aspect of this job, as we prioritize, shuffle and do the best we can. I am continually aware that this isn't my money--it's yours. It's my parents' money. It's my friends' money. It's the grandma down the street's money. I literally lay awake at night thinking of the people who are paying these bills. Can they afford it? Are they getting value for dollars? Are these projects necessary?
I am only one vote out of nine on council. I don't have the power to unilaterally make changes. Every change I want to make can only take the form of a suggestion to the council as a whole, and I have to be able to explain it and sell it to my colleagues. We are a council, and no decision is made by any one person. We must work together to accomplish anything (well, at least five of us on any particular issue!).
That being said, there are always politics involved. Last year, one councillor ran around town claiming I was the one who moved a tax increase. While technically true (I did, after all, move the 4.95% increase), it is also true that I was the only councillor who proposed a tax decrease last year (my motion was to reduce the increase from 5.45%). My motion lowered the tax hit as far as I thought the rest of council was willing to go. I took what I could get, despite the politics involved. So spin is always a factor. Be sure to educate yourself with the facts before making blanket assumptions.
My hope is that many of you will come out to the open houses this week and see for yourself. I want your pure, unbiased reactions. Is this budget good for the Township? What is too high on our priority list? What is too low?
The two open houses are scheduled for Thursday, 4-8, at the Civic Facility, and Friday, 1-4 at the Civic Facility. Please come and make your voice heard.
We weren't a full council, as Councillor Richter was away. We refrained from voting on the entire package, deciding only to receive it for information and send it on to the public open houses tomorrow and Friday for more feedback. Rest assured, if I get my way, this budget will change before we consider giving it first reading.
For the balance of these posts, the dollar increases are based on a $341,000 property assessment. I should note that our tax rates are lowered in relation to assessment increases to ensure that the Township doesn't "double-dip." I think SkookumChuck asks me that every year.
Right off the top, let me say this. I take budget time very seriously. It is the most difficult aspect of this job, as we prioritize, shuffle and do the best we can. I am continually aware that this isn't my money--it's yours. It's my parents' money. It's my friends' money. It's the grandma down the street's money. I literally lay awake at night thinking of the people who are paying these bills. Can they afford it? Are they getting value for dollars? Are these projects necessary?
I am only one vote out of nine on council. I don't have the power to unilaterally make changes. Every change I want to make can only take the form of a suggestion to the council as a whole, and I have to be able to explain it and sell it to my colleagues. We are a council, and no decision is made by any one person. We must work together to accomplish anything (well, at least five of us on any particular issue!).
That being said, there are always politics involved. Last year, one councillor ran around town claiming I was the one who moved a tax increase. While technically true (I did, after all, move the 4.95% increase), it is also true that I was the only councillor who proposed a tax decrease last year (my motion was to reduce the increase from 5.45%). My motion lowered the tax hit as far as I thought the rest of council was willing to go. I took what I could get, despite the politics involved. So spin is always a factor. Be sure to educate yourself with the facts before making blanket assumptions.
My hope is that many of you will come out to the open houses this week and see for yourself. I want your pure, unbiased reactions. Is this budget good for the Township? What is too high on our priority list? What is too low?
The two open houses are scheduled for Thursday, 4-8, at the Civic Facility, and Friday, 1-4 at the Civic Facility. Please come and make your voice heard.