January, 2003: Constructing a Budget
From the Computer of Mayor Dave

In the New Year, the greatest challenge before the City is to construct a budget for 2004. We must answer a fundamental question: Do we write a budget that supports the services currently provided or do we cut some or all of those services? There is no subsidy from the State to off-set the impact of the budget reductions from the repeal of the motor vehicle excise tax and limiting property tax increases to 1%. Thus, the challenge of maintaining existing services is formidable.

If we choose to maintain the current service levels, we must find a way to pay for those services. Unless something unusual happens in the State Legislature, our only chance for additional funds is to raise local taxes to keep pace with inflation. If we choose to cut back on services then we have to decide which services and how many of them we eliminate. It’s important for community members to educate themselves about the services currently provided by the City so you can help us in making decisions we can all live with.

Last year, many citizens participated in a budget exercise that put them through a similar decision making process. We would be happy to share this exercise with anyone who didn’t have the opportunity to be there and wants to become involved. Over the last three years, the City has responsibly cut and consolidated our service delivery systems to meet the general challenge of the public initiatives. My personal belief is that we do run an efficient and effective government, responsive to the needs of our community.

In the public safety area, the level of our police force is sufficient to meet coverage of the City twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We have streamlined our operation including contracting out our police dispatch function to Bothell. This saved $150,000.

We have a joint Public Works Department with the City of Kenmore that provides services at costs well below comparable cities. We utilized county and state funds to build our new parks system. We have re-negotiated our jail contracts and significantly reduced our jail costs. Through it all, we have been able to maintain quality services.

As we go into 2003, the decision to maintain or cut services for 2004 must be decided early in the year. The Council and I will be seeking your input as we determine our next budget. We are in the process of collecting ideas and suggestions. Please call, write, or email me at mayord@ci.lake-forest-park.wa.us if you have ideas you want to share.

              -- Dave