Budget Moves Forward Without Opposition

No one opposed the city's budget for 2013 during Tuesday night's public hearing; in fact, no one spoke up at all. There were no citizens in attendance, other than city leaders and city staff. Councilors received the absence as perhaps a sign of no opposition to the proposed budget.

"I think we have a lot to be proud of," Councilor Jennifer Salmon said. "We have a fiscally responsible budget, with no negligent cost to residents."

Although there are increases for several services, City Manager Jim O'Reilly said city staff in their respective departments brought the increases forward during the budget process.

"Council and staff worked together to establish a balanced budget," City Manager Jim O'Reilly said.

Council members unanimously voted yes during first reading to approve the operating budget for fiscal year 2012-2013; which begins on October 1st providing passage during second reading later this month.

The budget includes fee increases for special pickup fees, the GEMS service, Rec Center youth programs and building inspection fees.

“With hard work and good decisions by the council, we maintain all the services. All our doors are open. We really were not able to reach out for special projects, but we kept the quality of life that our citizens deserve,” Mayor Mike Yakes said.

Let's take a look at the numbers:

The Budget

Appropriations:

$10,506,021 = estimated cost for the City to operate between Oct. 1, 2012 - September 30, 2013.

All funding sources:

$8,615,374 = estimated revenues the City will collect next fiscal year
$300,000 = transfers from the Marina PILOT fund
$467,000 = transfers from the Sanitation PILOT
$325,000 = transfers from the Utilities PILOT
$798,778 = transfers from Enterprise Funds

Millage Rate:

The current millage rate is 4.0, which equates to $4 per every $1,000. The council approved setting the millage rate for next year at 4.039, which is technically a 0% increase above the rolled-back rate. The rate will provide the same property tax revenues. The rate will generate an estimated $2,626,773 for the general fund and $76,258 for the waterfront redevelopment district.

Fees to Increase:

The dollar amounts below reflect the estimated revenues expected if all of the proposed fee increases are passed in the budget during second reading.

$115,000: Sanitation Special Pickup Fees
$10,000: GEMS ride fee to offset increased fuel costs       
$10,000: Implement Special Event Charge/Fees              
$25,000: Implement Credit Card use Convenience Charge  
$5,000: Increase Summer Rec Fees to Market Rate         
$20,000: Adopt Pinellas County Building Inspection Fee structure
Special Event Charge/Fees

Currently, the City does not recoup costs for co-sponsoring special events held on city streets, parks or facilities (such as the Casino).

The budget includes a $500 charge for major events in city streets and parks. This will include the following events:

Chamber of Commerce Springfest
So49 Bluesfest
Gulfport Merchants Association's Geckofest
Antiques in the Park

Budget Online:

View the entire budget on the City of Gulfport's website.

Second Public Hearing & Final Passage:

The second public budget hearing will be on Wednesday, September 19 at 7 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall.