City budget level, but priorities in flux (Heather's article in
Daily Journal)
Burlingame will have a cut-free year, but the City Council is still faced with prioritizing projects such as a
reforestation plan and costly upgrades to the
City Hall sound system both high on the community's radar.
A special study session will be held to revisit the discussion of next year's budget and possible new projects the city could begin. The suggestions are all based on goals previously set by the City Council, such as a
reforestation plan for Easton Drive and a
business ambassador to help small businesses get started. Other options such as $190,000 for a special election are included as a safety measure to give options for funding growing
storm drain needs.
Things continue to look up with revenue growth at 5 percent or more the past few years. A similar increase is anticipated next year, however most of the money is earmarked for increasing
salary costs and addressing
capital improvement needs, said Finance Director Jesus Nava. Since 2003, Burlingame has cut $4.8 million from the general fund. A balanced budget is now in place, but the city still isn't meeting the $4 million in annual capital improvement needs. Only $2.3 million is budgeted toward these building needs. The city's budget was
$73.7 million last year. The upcoming year sees a $4.7 million, or 6.4 percent, increase of revenue with money generated covering all expenses.
One of the biggest concerns during recent months is a
eucalyptus tree on Easton Drive which has roots protruding into the street. Earlier this year, an $80,000 plan to realign Easton Drive was considered, but shelved for a $40,000 reforestation master plan for the area. During the study session, a draft reforestation plan will be given to the council putting together all the information gathered thus far, said Mayor Terry Nagel. At that point, the council will decide whether to go forward with more study at an expense in next year's budget or to acknowledge the plan would be sufficient once a tree replacement list and removal guidelines for trees affecting traffic are added, said City Manager Jim Nantell. This decision should dictate when the council will make a final vote to either keep or remove the tree.
A major need not being addressed is the
storm drains. Next year, $860,000 is currently budgeted for this need. Money is budgeted $190,000 just in case the council wants to study a second bond measure attempt for a special election next year. Earlier this month, the council decided to hold off on any studies to see what happens with a proposed constitutional amendment which would allow fee money to be used toward such improvements.
Burlingame currently spends $97,300 annually to clean litter and power wash the sidewalks in the Broadway and Burlingame Avenue shopping areas, according to reports presented in February. Staff is recommending adding a
full-time maintenance position in charge of power washing, garbage cleanup, community volunteer and business district coordination and permit and code enforcement coordination. The new position would cost $92,000 annually which will be almost completely offset by savings in overtime.
Costs to update only the
sound system in the council chambers will be discussed, although Nantell worries just going forward with one segment will mean extra expenses when other technology needs to be upgraded down the road. Updating all the technology was previously estimated at $300,000 too much for the current budget. Six residents signed an online petition asking for sound upgrades to be a high priority allowing the city to use Internet archiving of the meetings in the near future.
Creating a
business ambassador position for $50,000 annually is still a priority, said Nagel. Business is a priority this year for the council, she said. A proposal outlining the part-time job of such a person who could do anything from helping new businesses through the permit process to trying to bring new businesses in town will be presented to the council at a later date.
The council meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 30 at Burlingame Public Library, Lane Room, 480 Primrose Road. A vote is scheduled for Monday, June 18.
Additional articles in
Burlingame Daily News and
Examiner
Click
here for full agenda.
- Written by Fiona
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