Voice of the Mid-Columbia | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Wash. |
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closeWednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Richland plans no cuts in services
By Michelle Dupler, Herald staff writer
Richland city officials told the city council Tuesday that they'll hold expenditures for 2010 at 2009 levels -- and do it without cutting any services for residents.
The general fund budget increases by 5.7 percent, from $51.1 million to $54 million, but senior staff members found reductions elsewhere for a net overall budget reduction of 5.4 percent, bringing the 2010 budget down to $239.1 million from 2009's $252.7 million.
Administrative Services Manager Ron Musson said in addition to keeping departmental operating costs flat, the city's budget writers vowed not to increase the city's full-time employee count and to find strategies that will save the city money in the future.
City Manager Cindy Johnson said department managers examined how the city's 507 employees were being used, and realigned some positions to make services more efficient. No details were provided during the meeting.
In 2010, the city will have one employee for every 104.5 residents, compared with one for every 101.6 residents in 2009, and one for every 85.8 residents in 2000.
Other key points about the budget are:
w No increase in property tax collections.
w No decrease in park maintenance funding.
w No increase in water, storm water or ambulance rates.
w A 2 percent increase, or $1.92 per month for the average residential customer is proposed for electricity rates.
w A 5 percent increase, or $1.45 per month, is proposed for waste water rates.
w Rates for garbage collection could increase if the city adopts a curbside recycling program.
The council will have a public hearing on the budget Nov. 3, and adopt a final budget Dec. 8.
Copies of the budget are available at the Richland Public Library, city hall or online at ci.richland.wa.us.
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