8.5. SR 05-16-2011i
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TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
ITEM 8.5.
MEMORANDUM
Mayor and City Council
Lori Johnson, City Administrator
May 16, 2011
2012 Budget and Tax Levy Discussion
This week staff began the 2012 budget process in preparation for presenting a draft budget
proposal to the Council. As you know, the Council must adopt a maximum tax levy prior to
September 15. The final budget must be adopted in December.
At the work session, I am requesting approval of the proposed 2012 budget timeline as
outlined below. As you can see in the schedule, actual discussion on the budget and tax levy
will begin at the June 13 meeting.
Proposed Timeline
The following is the proposed schedule for reviewing and approving the tax levy and budget:
• May 5 -City Administrator memo and Finance Director memo distributed to
department heads with budget forms
• May 16 -Council review of action steps from visioning process. Determine action
steps to be incorporated in 2012 budget
• June 3 -Department head proposed budgets due
• June and July -Staff budget meetings
• June 13 -Council work session: General budget discussion on tax levy, Council
goals, staffing, pay and benefits, and other budget policy items
• July 11, August 8, and another date to be determined -Council work sessions:
Presentation of proposed budget to Council with department heads and division
managers in attendance
• September 12 -Approve proposed tax levy
• November 14 -Continue budget and tax levy discussion. Receive public input on
budget.
• December 5 -Present final proposed budget; take additional public input; adopt
final budget and tax levy.
N:\PubGc Bodies\Ciry Council\Lori\2011\Budget Memo 5 19 11.docx
Finally, at the June 13 work session the Council should be prepared to discuss their goals for
the 2012 tax levy and the other policy items stated above. Unfortunately, it is too early to
have an estimate of the net tax capacity (NTC) at that time and the NTC is a major factor in
the deliberation when setting the tax levy.. Based on best estimates available now, it seems
clear that we are irl store for yet another decrease in NTC based on the reduction in
residential values and the tax court petitions filed. Additional data on the NTC and the tax
levy will be presented at the June 13 meeting.
N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Lori\2011\Budget Memo 5 19 11.docx