City's smaller budget won't break the bank

The Columbia Falls City Council took a first look at its 2010-2011 budget Monday.

The preliminary budget shows a decrease in overall expenditures for the year to $8.6 million. Last year's budget contained $10.4 million in expenditures.

The 2009-2010 budget included $3.3 million for improvements to the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant, while this year's budget includes only $1 million for the project. Much of the upgrade has been funded by grants.

According to Finance Director Susan Nicosia, there were no significant cuts in the budget. Previous cuts have been made in the planning department in anticipation of reduced construction.

Street construction costs last year were more than $588,000, as the city completed work approved in a street levy. This year no money is expected to be spent on street construction.

The preliminary budget shows a reduction in mills from 207.458 in 2009-2010 to 207.325 mills in 2010-2011.

The city's mill value actually increased this year resulting in about $50,000 additional money for the city.

State re-appraisals on residential property contributed to the increase, according to Nicosia.

The City Council made little comment on the budget. It's expected to approve the final budget at its Sept. 20 meeting.

Councilman Mike Shepard did commend the staff on the Pinewood Pool budget.

"Kudos to you for a reduction in pool expenses," he said.

The pool budget is set at about $12,000 less than the year before. The major reduction in the budget comes from expected savings on the gas bill.

Major repairs to the pool were made in 2008 and 2009. The city has had to pay increased gas bills to re-heat water as a result of leaks.

Those fixes have translated into savings, noted City Manager Bill Shaw.

"A lot of it is because of the maintenance and repairs that were completed," he said.

An area where the city does expect to spend money is on continued upgrades to City Hall. This year the city expects to spend $100,000 on renovations in the police department and library. Another $100,000 is projected for the project in 2011-2012.

Renovations and wiring upgrades in the finance department and council chambers began this year. Additional work on the City Hall and Fire Hall heating system are expected to continue this year and cost roughly $28,000.

City Hall has been in need of several repairs or upgrades for several years. Most years those upgrades are moved into future planning because of a lack of funds. The city held off on work in the police department until its dispatch joined the consolidated 911 center.

"The effort to upgrade the police department can begin now that dispatch is out of there," Shaw said.

The City also expects to increase park improvements expenditures this year. The budget shows $20,000 for a sprinkling system at Horine Park and $20,000 for improvements to Clare Park.

The budget could see some changes before final approval. The city is still working on plans to construct a path from Columbus Park to River's Edge Park.

Engineers have estimated higher construction costs than earlier thought. To determine the cost of the path, a soil analysis must be completed. The city expects to use Community Transportation Enhancement Program money for the project.

"We need to have a soil analysis that will say this is what it is and here is what it will bear," Shaw said.

The council agreed to the soil analysis, which will cost about $8,900.

On Monday, the council also voted to rename Toddler Park in the River Bend subdivision to Hidden Cedar Park.