Sultan’s budget in good shape

Published 9:53 am Tuesday, December 16, 2008

SULTAN — The City Council passed a nearly $9 million budget last week, avoiding the drastic cuts many cities have had to make around Snohomish County.

The economic downturn hasn’t hurt Sultan as much as other towns that are more dependent on sales tax revenue, Mayor Carolyn Eslick said.

Next year’s $1.9 million general budget, which pays for basics such as planning, parks and other city employee salaries, is about the same as last year. The city saved about $100,000 by voting to pay for the library out of property taxes rather than paying to be part of the Sno-Isle Regional Library System. Contracting with Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office was supposed to cut another $150,000, but those cost savings will be eaten up in 2009 by overtime and other costs, said Deborah Knight, the city administrator.

The city went through its own budget crisis in 2007, when a combination of factors, including the Legislature’s decision to limit property taxes to 1 percent, less revenue for development than expected and difficulty passing a comprehensive plan, forced the city to cut $450,000 from its general fund.

The city has since passed a comprehensive plan, a requirement of the Growth Management Act all cities must meet.

“We have a budget with no shortfalls,” Eslick said. “A lot of other cities are in really sad shape. Thank God we’ve been through that and we know how to live within our means.”

She credited residents for helping the city save money. Volunteers now do some of the work the city can’t, including graffiti removal and litter patrols. Volunteers even paint crosswalks.

The City Council postponed making a decision on a 20 percent garbage rate hike until after the New Year.

Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com.