City Council approves Bartlesville budget, capitol projects
The Bartlesville City Council unanimously approved operating and capital budgets for the upcoming 2023-24 Fiscal Year during June's council meeting Monday evening.
The budgets, which will go into effect on July 1, were crafted to address the conservatively projected 2% decline in sales tax, the primary funding source for the city. The decline is anticipated due to economic uncertainties such as inflation or a potential recession, according to city staff.
City staff projects general fund revenue exceeding $36.5 million for the period, with expenditures amounting to $34.4 million.
Sales tax, which funds most city services and departments except utilities, is expected to generate around $22.6 million during the next fiscal year. Additionally, the city's use tax, implemented on January 1, is estimated to generate around $2.5 million over the same period.
About $1.2 million was allocated to the Stabilization Reserve Fund, which currently stands at $13.2 million. This measure aims to provide financial stability in the face of potential economic challenges, according to city staff members.
The operating budget adds two police officer positions dedicated to patrolling city parks and one position in the communications department.
The planned utility rate increase of approximately 5.5% will be implemented starting July 1. The council approved the rate raise in April 2022 based on a comprehensive water and wastewater rate study conducted in 2020-21. The study recommended new rates to support the system's operations and mandatory system improvements adequately.
More: Utility rates to go up 24% over next four years
The council also unanimously approved appropriations totaling $803,750 for the Bartlesville Development Authority and $402,000 for Visit Bartlesville. Both organizations are independent contractors working in conjunction with the City of Bartlesville.
The BDA serves as the economic development arm, while Visit Bartlesville operates as the tourism division.
In addition to the operating budget, the City Council approved funding for various capital projects proposed in the 2023-24 Fiscal Year Capital Budget.
The funding for these projects is sourced from the 2020 Half-cent Sales Tax Extension and the Enterprise Fund 5-Year Capital plans.
Some projects set to receive funding during the fiscal year include equipment for the utility department, street repairs, and park improvements.
Other approved projects include improvements to City Hall, software, a comprehensive update to the Strategic Plan, patrol car computers for the police department, and a pumper truck for the fire department.
The full budget can be found on Bartlesville City's website.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: City Council approves Bartlesville budget, capitol projects
