By Janice Podsada
Herald Writer
MUKILTEO — Expect the worst, hope for the best. The old adage appears to have been incorporated into Mukilteo’s preliminary 2002 budget.
Mukilteo Mayor Don Doran presented the proposed $21 million 2002 budget to members of the public and city council members Monday night at the regular city council meeting. Last year’s budget was $19.5 million.
Built into the budget is the expectation that Initiative 747 will receive voter approval in November’s general election. I-747 is a Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that limits property tax increases to one-percent a year. Eyman may be Mukilteo’s best-known resident.
"This budget assumes that Initiative 747 will be approved by voters," Doran said in his address. "Even if I-747 fails, we stand by this budget and do not recommend any additional property tax increases beyond what is proposed."
The 2002 budget asks for a one percent property increase. But even with the modest property tax increase, Mukilteo homeowners will likely see their property taxes go down next year.
A reduction in levies for the Mukilteo Fire station bonds and library bonds will reduce property taxes on a $275,000 home by about $4.50 per month, or some $54 a year.
Doran said the budget would provide a modest $145,000 operating surplus in the general fund. It maintains the current level of city staffing at 82 full-time employees, and it continues the city’s efforts to construct a new city hall and police station without asking voters to pay for them.
City officials expect the city’s population of 18,000 to increase by three percent in the coming year. On the other hand, city tax revenues from local retail businesses have dropped more than 15 percent in the past year.
"This is a concerning trend that we need to closely monitor," Doran told a packed city council chambers.
Other highlights of the preliminary budget include a major change in the Mukilteo Police Department. "We’ll be adding one commissioned police commander position," Doran said. "We are badly in need of management assistance … This position will fill that void at an annual cost, including benefits, of about $80,000."
The 2002 budget also assumes that the city will take possession of the 12-acre Mukilteo State Park on the city’s waterfront. Its acquisition may require some part-time seasonal laborers, the equivalent of a 3/4-time worker.
City officials are recommending that the city adopt the same boat launch fees as are currently levied by the state. The current fees are $4 per boat launch. "We also suggest that we adopt an annual launch permit of $20 for residents and $50 for nonresidents," Doran said.
"The state currently expends about $80,000 a year at the state park," Doran said.
The budget’s major expenses arise from operation of the city’s police and fire departments. "Police and fire consume about 58 cents out of every operating dollar," Doran said.
"I respectfully submit the budget," Doran concluded. "Let the games begin."
The next budget public hearing will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 5, at Mukilteo Fire Station 3, 10400 47th Place W. Copies of the Mukilteo 2002 preliminary budget summary are available at Mukilteo City Hall, 4480 Chennault Beach Road.
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