By Leslie Moriarty

Herald Writer

SNOHOMISH — Get out the scissors, it’s budget-cutting time.

Less than optimistic revenue forecasts are causing Snohomish city officials to begin to look for ways they can cut expenses from the proposed 2002 city budget — about half a million dollars.

"We’re being very conservative with our revenue predictions," said interim city manager Jack Collins. "And we don’t want to cry wolf. But we want people to be prepared for a lean year."

The proposed 2002 operating budget is $11 million, about 4 percent less than the current year’s $11.4 million budget.

In the budget being proposed for 2002, city officials are forecasting a drop in sales tax revenue of at least 3 percent.

Coupled with an anticipated slow-down in construction, hence less revenue from building permit fees, Snohomish City Council members have been told that the money to support a budget similar to this year’s isn’t going to be there next year.

"Given the general downturn of the economy, there is reason to think we will feel that, here, too," said Collins, who began his position with the city only two weeks ago.

Council members began the budget process with several workshops last month. Public hearings on the proposed budget are set for 7 p.m. Nov. 7 and Nov. 20 at 1601 Avenue D, where the council regularly meets.

A final hearing and adoption of the budget is expected Dec. 4.

Preliminary looks at the budget have included cutting several positions and other expenditures. Among the positions that the council has looked at cutting are a police officer, a finance clerk, a planning permit clerk and several seasonal positions in parks and storm-water management.

"The council has proposed adding back the police position," Collins said.

Collins said the council is still looking at a list of proposed cuts that would include other items, including purchases, travel costs and projects such as an automated irrigation system for Pilchuck Park that will now be put on hold.

Another cut that has been made by the council is the funding of a summer youth camp called Camp Hot Spot.

"That one was extremely painful for them," Collins said. "Every council member supports what the camp is about. But the money isn’t there for it in 2002."

He said although he is new to the city, his preliminary look shows that the city has been operating fairly lean for years. He said there aren’t easy or obvious places to make cuts.

"But what we are hoping is that the residents of Snohomish will come out and voice their opinions on where the money should be spent and where the cuts need to be made," Collins said.

Copies of a budget summary are available for review at City Hall, 116 Union Ave.

You can call Herald Writer Leslie Moriarty at 425-339-3436

or send e-mail to moriarty@heraldnet.com.

Public hearings are 7 p.m. Nov. 7 and Nov. 20 at 1601 Avenue D, where the council regularly meets.

A final hearing and adoption of the budget is expected Dec. 4.