Please see the memo below sent to the Board of Aldermen regarding next years proposed City budget. The property tax rate is projected to go down by over a penny while the water/sewer rates are projected to remain the same, meaning no water/sewer rate increases next year. Re: FY16 Proposed Budget November 1, 2014 Board Members, Please find enclosed the 2016 Fiscal Year Budget for the City of Rutland. The proposed budget includes an overall reduction in expenses of $116,292. Given the fact that the taxpayers are demanding and expect no increased taxes, (not only in Rutland, but around the entire state), it is critical that next year’s overall budget is at or below the current year’s level. However, there is also an understanding that the FY16 budget must continue to demonstrate our commitment to rebuilding our long-neglected roads, bridges, sidewalks, and century-old water & sewer mains and pipes. This budget maintains the infrastructure funding levels that were previously established after long-study by trained professionals. Rutland taxpayers have proved time and again that they understand the need to invest in the “bricks and mortar” projects that, if ignored, will create even greater burdens and pressures on future budgets and taxpayers. Residents continue to demand quality streets and infrastructure, and they are right. Additionally, FY16 provides a funding level for the Rutland City Police Department that both honors the commitments made by the city in the most recent union contract, but more importantly allows for the continuation of our evidence-based policing strategy that has already shown significant results in reducing crime in both the short and long term. The Drug Marketplace Intervention model (DMI) being used by the RPD is fast receiving national attention as a model that could possibly be replicated in like-size communities throughout the country, and the funded staffing levels and current positions are vital to its continued success. While there is an understanding that vacancies will arise within the department, creating short-term staffing shortages, we must not falter in our commitment to the department and its strategy, which coupled with the overall strategy of Project Vision has allowed the community to turn the corner on its most recent challenge. Finally, as articulated in previous years, further budget reductions can only realistically be accomplished through staffing reductions (lay-offs), and there will be an associated reduction in City services. As always, it will continue to be within the scope of duties of the administration to define what staff reductions can most readily be absorbed if the Board exercises its authority to reduce salary levels. Respectfully, Christopher C. Louras, Mayor City of Rutland
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 10:43:23 +0000
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