More News March Marvel-Calvary a catalyst for historic Gonzaga run In Gear for Good Kramer puts integrity first at Christian Brothers City commissions offer chance to serve, enhance community When Danetta “Dg” Garcia’s bid for a Liberty Lake City Council seat fell short, she didn’t give up on the idea of serving the city she calls home. TT's Brewery and Barbecue Expands to Neighborhood Liberty Lake Location In the smoky realm of barbecue, TT's BBQ has carved a niche for itself as a beacon of mouth watering flavors and culinary expertise for both their beer and food. Daughters of The American Revolution The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a volunteer women’s organization that has been dedicated to historical preservation, education, and patriotism for over a century. Across the United States, there are over 3,000 chapters supporting an estimated current membership of 200,000, with over one million total members since their founding in 1890. HOA’s have different rules what it means for Police and streets The city of Liberty Lake is known for its winding paths, street trees and homeowner’s associations. Recently, however, residents of some neighborhoods have been questioning the services they receive from the city, particularly police patrols and traffic enforcement. Vietnam Veteran Pat Payne Receives his Combat Infantry Badge Spokane Valley resident and Vietnam Veteran Pat Payne personifies bravery, resilience, and a profound commitment to supporting his fellow service members. Having served in the Vietnam War, Pat received both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals for his exceptional contributions and sacrifices. Unfortunately, at the time of his service discharge, a key ‘box’ was left unchecked, and he did not receive his Combat Infantry Badge or CIB until fifty-six years after leaving Vietnam. Return Ticket Home; Fisher helped establish LL city roots In the acclaimed 1940 novel, “You Can’t Go Home Again,” author Thomas Wolfe paints the picture of ambitious writer George Webber who leaves his rural hometown roots to seek fame and fortune in New York City. At Home on Air – Media fixture Owsley relishes local roots Sean Owsley’s first big break in the media world came when he was living in a modest apartment on Skipworth Road in Spokane Valley. Spokane Valley Library employee is recognized by the Library of Congress Spokane Valley Library was recently honored to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Library of Congress for its involvement in the Veterans History Project. The Library of Congress recognized the library's continuous dedication to preserving the stories and experiences of our nation's veterans. As part of this recognition, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Jeremy Mullin, a local resident actively involved in the project. Council social media training degenerates into confrontation Spokane Valley City Council training on policy regarding social media accounts and use of the city’s logo turned from benignly informative to heatedly combative after an exchange between two council members at the Jan. 9 meeting. Central Valley School District Prop. 1 Eat, Shop, and Be Merry Water Works 2023 Candidate Guide Sporting in Liberty Lake Closing the Chasm Congratulations First Ridgeline High School Graduating Class of 2023 2023 Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sales are Coming! Click here to register today! Only $15 to get into the printed and online guide! Public Safety Raised to New Level Parks and Art Commission Looking Ahead to 2023 Eat, Shop and Be Merry New city administrator Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sale Interactive Map! Liberty Lake Kiwanis Yard Sale Guide - Now Available!! Conrats 2022 Senior Graduates Pavillion Park You Are Invited Destination Liberty Lake Liberty Lake's Lego Home Making and Impact 2022

Search the News Archive

Mayor unveils proposed 2011 city budget
11/3/2010 10:03:43 AM

"The City Council considered several options in order to balance the budget and maintain the long-term financial sustainability of the city," Van Orman said. "Through a collaborative effort, a decision was made to raise revenue through a utility tax with the expectation of additional budget cuts."

The previously reported reductions in city staffing still stand in the proposed budget. This includes the seasonal layoff of two full-time employees at Trailhead Golf Course, reducing two library employees to part-time and an elimination of a part-time project planner.

Since announcing staff reductions, the city has received extensive feedback in defense of the affected golf course and library employees.

"We've heard the public, and I think we need to talk more about the budget," Council Member Judi Owens said.

Council Member Odin Langford also expressed concern over the feedback.

Advertisement

"Are there any stones that we haven't turned over?" Langford asked. "I don't think there are, but I'm asking the rest of you."

Van Orman also proposed 32 weekly hours of operation for the library, up from previous suggestions that the hours could be reduced to as few as 24. Currently, the library operates 46 hours weekly.

As pointed out during citizen comment, one of the few areas of increased funding falls on the City Council and mayor. The proposal calls for a 60 percent increase in salary and wages for council members and a 67 percent increase for the mayor. An independent salary commission set these increases, and Mayor Pro Tem David Crump said he would not vote for a budget with these salary increases.

The proposal went in depth regarding how the impact will be felt citywide with adjustments to numerous departments, including cuts to cost-of living raises for city employees. Employees will still be eligible for the 2 percent merit-based step raise, but the cost-of-living increase based on the Consumer Price Index (currently 1.4 percent) is no longer included. In addition, the city will discontinue the typical contribution of $800 per full-time employee for medical expenses not covered by insurance.

The Council also observed its first reading of an ordinance to levy the property tax to $1.68 per $1,000 of assessed value. During the public comment, former Mayor Steve Peterson suggested raising the property tax to the maximum $2.10 per $1,000 and reducing the utility tax. He explained that the property tax can be listed as a federal income tax deduction, but the utility tax can't. In order to increase property taxes by more than 1 percent, the city would have to gain voter approval. 

Langford asked for data to show what this kind of adjustment would mean for the proposed budget at the next meeting.

No action was taken on the budget, but Van Orman asked Council members to review the proposal and submit questions and prepare for more in-depth review at the next meeting Nov. 16.

Council members will also meet with the Library Board of Trustees Thursday to further discuss the proposed budget for the library. The board issued a letter to the City Council stating it would keep the 2011 budget at $411,474, well over the city's allocated $318,837.

Library Board President John Loucks said the board's interpretation of Ordinance 119 gives the library board power to determine the budget. Former Mayor Peterson reiterated this notion during public comment.

Council Member Josh Beckett questioned the interpretation, saying the Council and mayor have ultimate oversight in the matter.

The ordinance reads that the Council and mayor have authority to "adopt a final budget setting forth the estimated revenues and appropriations." It goes on to say the Council may "increase, decrease, revoke or recall all or any portion of the total appropriations provided for the Liberty Lake Library."

The letter addressed to the Council points to the Library Board of Trustees authority listed in the ordinance allowing them to "perform any and all other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient management and control of the library."

Copyright © 2024 The Liberty Lake Splash | Print Page