BOULDER CITY – City Council approved a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2022 during its Council Meeting last night. The $46.8 million budget covers sixteen governmental funds, including three proprietary funds with estimated operating expenses of $28.5 million; capital improvements of nearly $8 million; and debt principal of $4.1 million.
City Council held Special Meetings and a Citizen workshop to present the draft budget in February and March 2021. During the Council Meeting on April 13, 2021, Council directed staff to make additional changes to the budget. The approved budget includes Council’s direction from that meeting and additional minor updates.
The draft budget, sent to the State last month, received a compliment from the Nevada Department of Taxation Supervisor. “You and your staff did a great job on this year’s budget. Congratulations,” the email read.
City Council approved reductions to the City’s electric rate by 3-percent and water service fees by ten dollars. “These reductions come after a great deal of analysis over the past two years. They were recommended in the Raftelis Report, a consultant agency hired to perform an extensive rate review, with support of the Utility Advisory Committee,” said Boulder City Mayor Kiernan McManus. “I believe these reductions will especially benefit seniors living on fixed incomes within our community.”
While one vacant job was eliminated (Special Projects Manager), three new jobs were created: Building Official, City Clerk Assistant and Personnel Assistant. (The Building Official position was approved in FY21 but was postponed due to fiscal concerns during the pandemic.) “This year’s adopted General Fund budget reflects the reinstatement of prior year frozen positions,” said Michael Mays, Acting City Manager. “I am glad that we will be able to return these much-needed positions to help serve the businesses and citizens of our community.”
“COVID has taught us that it is critical to be prepared financially for unforeseen circumstances. The Risk Management Fund expense is increased to reflect the fund balance amount, so that funds can be used for maximum availability,” said Finance Director Diane Pelletier. “In addition, the Compensated Absences Fund and the Extraordinary Maintenance, Repair, or Improvement of a Capital Asset Fund expenses increased for maximum availability in the upcoming year.”
City Council also approved new fees for Boulder City Fire Department Emergency Medical Transport Services. “The cost of providing emergency medical care and transport services at the Advanced Life Support level has increased since 2015,” said Fire Chief Will Gray. “The new schedule is better aligned with our real costs.”
General Fund expense increases $112,188:
- $100,000 Historic Home Grant
- $ 11,288 Labor costs associated with one new community garden
- $ 900 Council printing costs
Acquisitions and Improvements Fund increased $125,000 (previously known as Special Projects Fund):
- Community Garden - $75,000
- Pet Mausoleum - $50,000
Redevelopment Fund increased $125,000
- Water Filtration Historic Structure Report - $125,000
City Council approved a resolution to augment the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget of the General Fund in the amount of $1,390,884 in order to appropriate previously unbudgeted resources. Fiscal Year 2020 generated $1,314,945 greater than expected revenues. These funds will go to:
- Vehicle/Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF) - $131,494.50
- Extraordinary Maintenance - $131,494.50
- Compensated Absences - $131,494.50
- Risk Management - $131,494.50
- Extraordinary Maintenance - Swimming Pool Recreational Project - $788,967.00
“Direction from Council was to find ways to pay for a new community pool without raising taxes,” added Mayor McManus, who served on the Municipal Pool Ad Hoc Committee. “Along with a $1.3 million donation in 2019 and the possible sale of Tract 350, the City has developed a plan to replace the current, 40 year old pool.” (That plan can be found at www.bcnv.org/pool.)
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