It’s a Budget Miracle!
One can't help but be amazed by the various miracles that have occurred throughout this year's budgeting process. I'm surprised that no one has leaped to their feet to shout Hallelujah – perhaps that will happen at the next council meeting, when we vote (to use the term loosely, since voting surprises are few and far between with this council) on the proposed budget.
You may recall that in late fall, we were given a much-welcomed financial overview by city administration, which indicated that, just to maintain our current level of spending, a tax increase of 5.5% would be required. This overview also showed that, in the critical area of street maintenance, our current level of expenditure was less than half of what is required. In other words, even with an increase of 5.5%, we would continue to fall behind in keeping our roads repaired.
To me, this very clear message meant that we should be looking at ways of decreasing current expenditures, and raising revenues through other ways, such as increasing user fees. Applying all three tactics – cut back on what you're currently spending, look at other revenue sources, and then figure out what tax increase is required, is the only sensible way to approach setting a budget.
I had, of course, not thought of the “relying on a miracle” solution.