Sultan would delay maintenance under budget proposal

Published 12:01 am Monday, September 19, 2011

SULTAN — The city would cut money for repairing streets, replacing old equipment and needed maintenance under a proposed budget for 2012.

Sultan is being forced to consider cutbacks because of declining property tax revenue and the trend is expected to continue for the next three years.

By spending less on repairing streets and maintenance, the mayor and city administrator hope to avoid layoffs or reducing hours for employees, city administrator Deborah Knight said.

The City Council is scheduled to discuss these options in a special meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 29, in council chambers, 319 Main St.

The city expects to receive $615,000 in property tax revenues next year. That’s $74,000 less than this current budget year.

Property taxes generate about a third of the $1.75 million general fund revenue projected for next year. This fund pays for public safety, parks and building maintenance. With less revenue from property taxes, the city may have to lay people off as soon as next year.

Knight said the council needs to decide to make cuts now or wait.

A proposed budget is scheduled to be presented to the council at its annual budget retreat on Oct. 15.

The council also is considering creating a transportation benefit district to fund street maintenance and replacement. The council could vote to approve the tax district at the Oct. 13 meeting.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.