Bothell budgets to the penny

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Bothell budgets to the penny By Sara Jean Green Seattle Times Eastside bureau

The word "miscellaneous" is being expunged from Bothell's idiom, at least when it comes to talking about the city's 2000 budget. Jim Thompson, who took over as city manager in January, has introduced the city's first zero-based budget and performance reviews for all city departments. The format, which requires that each penny be recorded, allows for greater public accountability because people can see exactly where their money is being spent, he said.

As such, no miscellaneous columns are allowed.

The City Council held its first public hearing on the 2000 budget last night, but its initial review and residents' comments were deferred to the Nov. 1 meeting because time ran out. A final budget probably won't be adopted before mid-December.

In previous years, budget line items were carried over from one budget to the next, increasing each year with the rate of inflation. Now, every pen and sheaf of paper must be accounted for.

"This year, no one had any money. They all started from zero and they had to justify everything they spent," Thompson said of all the city's departments.

"The problem with the old methodology is it assumes the public desires the same level of service and the same services as they did in the previous year. But times and needs change."

Like that of many Eastside cities, Bothell's proposed budget is based on the assumption statewide Initiative 695 will pass. The city would lose $300,000 if voters endorse the proposal to cut vehicle license tabs to $30 a year in next month's election, Thompson said, adding that the city's coffers would be hurt indirectly by cuts to other levels of government.

Highlighted in Bothell's $65 million budget are proposed capital projects and street improvements to ease traffic congestion. More than $3 million is earmarked for street and arterial projects, and the budget suggests hiring a new transportation manager to coordinate citywide initiatives. An additional police officer to enforce traffic-calming measures is also proposed.

Another first for the Bothell budget is a fund for capital replacement. More than $2.5 million has been allocated as a "catch-up" for the fund to buy big-ticket items. In the past, if the city bought a new firetruck, it was paid for in full that same year. Under the proposed budget, capital purchases would be paid over five years, Thompson said. Money would also be set aside for maintenance and repair to city-owned buildings.

The city expects to raise roughly $4 million in property taxes, with homeowners paying $1.95 per $1,000 assessed valuation, down from $1.98 last year. The total represents a 1.2 percent increase over last year, thanks to new construction that has added to the tax base, Thompson said.

So Bothell was able to submit a budget expecting I-695 to pass, without laying off police or firefighters. Plus their tax base grew. Must not have been listening to Locke.

Ed - Posting for knowledge

-- Ed (ed_bridges@yahoo.com), October 19, 1999

Answers

Sir, I am reporting this post as a 'foul language' post. How DARE you post such blasphey? How are perfectly, upright and moral scare tactics supposed to work with this type of drivel? Some of us are out here working VERY hard create a scenario where children will be starving in the streets if this passes, and then you come up with this? Whatever happened to 'artful crafting' of facts and figures? Is there no shame within you, sir? What next? I supposed that you're going to suggest that those fine police officers in Nassau County won't be losing their jobs, either? I would also like to point out, that we believe in the 'static model' of government taxation and budgeting. We refuse to consider that when new people move into an area, thus increasing traffic, they also increase the tax base which in turn helps to fund those things which are more burdened due to new population. We, here at "Higher Taxes for Your Children" (H.I.T.Y.O.U.) consider each new resident a zero sum loss to the budget process. It would be appreciated if you would adjust your thinking to this similar model.

-- Paul C. Oss (jnaut@earthlink.net), October 19, 1999.

Paul, I wonder did you have your reading glasses on? Its sounds like Bothel is idealistic to what a government body should do with its budgets. Not only are you mistaken, but you obiviously believe the sky is falling too. Its no wonder that most non-pro 695ers don't seem understand that all services won't be lost. And jobs won't either. 2.2% loss in funding is not that much. For crying out loud budgets can be reduced and savings canbe made if WE force our government bodies to do so. Since when have our government bodies been forced to manage a reduction. All they know is to increase spending. What a bunch of cry babies! Its time for change!

-- Mr. Bill (bspencer@kalama.com), October 19, 1999.

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