The Platte City board of aldermen approved its 2018-19 budget during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 25.
The total revenue budget will be $8,128,553 with a total operating/capital projects totaling $7,424,646, which is a reduction of $667,065 from the budget the last fiscal year because of the completion of the east side lift station construction project and a $171,000 reduction in general obligation debt service.
The $8.1 million includes $1.08M in interfund transfers.
The budget is expecting $2.31 million from city sales tax and $1.9 million in water sales, which accounts for 32 and 18 percent, respectively, of the ledger.
City Administrator DJ Gehrt noted there could be a mid-year budget amendment for work on a variety of road work projects near Highway 92/Interstate 29.
He noted in his report to the board that financial conditions are ‘strong and stable’ but also noted the ability for high quality public service, long-term transportation, recreation and facility projects aren’t as plentiful due to a multiple-year trend of flat revenue growth and a negative property evaluation — there was a $1 million decrease in 2018, a year after a seven percent increase.
Notable budget items
The city will discontinue the revitalization grant program for the upcoming fiscal year.
The city plans to video/clean/reline 3,500 linear feet of clay sanitary sewer lines for $105,000, part of a sewer relining project that will have 21,000 linear feet let with hopes of being finish in 2025.
A four-percent salary increase will be $80,000.
The capital outlay improvements include bleachers at Harrell Ferrel Park for $10,000 — contingent on Platte County Parks and Recreation grant funded at 80 percent; a skate park quarter pipe installed for $28,000; purchase of half-ton 4x2 extended cap truck for public works for $24,000; expansion of the Riverview Park disc golf course for $6,000 and geographic information systems (GIS) reconstruction for $100,000 — the biggest chunk of the $205,680. This will help the city water system maintain records of repairs and breaks among many other benefits.
The police department will increase by one officer that will be funded at 40 percent of a full-time officer. The PCPD will also be getting a police/audio video system interview for $11,140 that will be $36,40 after a MIRMA grant, while two body cameras will be replaced for $2,200.
Cemetery fees are up $85 per burial, which will have a minimal impact on the budget.