ARLINGTON — Councilwoman Marilyn Oertle says Arlington’s $67.7 million 2010 budget represents a lot of sweat.
“Our city staff worked very hard on this document,” she said.
At its meeting Monday, Arlington City Council members voted unanimously to pass the budget. Oertle presided over Monday’s meeting as the mayor pro tem while Mayor Margaret Larson was absent.
Called “bare bones” by city staff, the budget was balanced in part because of the early retirements or voluntary layoffs of 11 staff members. That produced a savings of $1 million for the new year.
As a result of those departures, however, most city employees are wearing multiple hats, staff said.
The budget has been reduced to essential services such as water, sewer, street repair and police and fire protection. Staff members are continuing to look for ways in which to reduce spending.
The population of Arlington grew from about 7,000 in the late 1990s to nearly 17,000 this year.
Revenue from sales tax grew from $2.5 million in 2000 to $4.2 million in 2006. The projected sales tax revenue for 2010 is down to $3 million, finance department staff said.
As the recession continues to take its toll on the city, efforts to attract new homeowners and new businesses will continue, city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said.
One of the ways the city will continue to look to save money is through a $135,000 grant to replace all the light bulbs in the city with energy-efficient ones. The city expects to see an $11,200 savings on their bill each year for the next 10 years, Banfield said.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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