Issue 29.17
PRAISE THE POWER THAT HATH MADE AND PRESERVED US A NATION THEN CONQUER WE MUST, WHEN OUR CAUSE IT IS JUST, AND THIS BE OUR MOTTO “IN GOD IS OUR TRUST” – FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
My Friends, forgive me for taking the long way around as I attempt to give all a dose of transparency. For you see, I believe that whether you believe in God or not (as expressed in Star Spangled Banner)…. We all can appreciate a bit of honesty…..that transparency brings government. We celebrate the birth of our Nation and the Pioneers who helped make it possible each July. As prescribed, July 1st begins the fiscal year for SG. All things being equal in the temporal world of today…. I believe that all citizens are entitled to a report on fiscal wellbeing of the city….regardless of your personal religious beliefs.
Therefore, I am glad to be able to report to you, giving a brief summary of the past (11) months. This reflects the fiscal accomplishments for various city departments. This period represents 91.67% of the fiscal year ending May 31, 2017.
Utilizing the report made public in City Council meeting of July 6, 2017 (Administrative Services Director’s Comments) I provide listed items 1,2,6,7. There are a total of 9 items listed that are available to public. *This being an election year for Mayor and two positions on city council voters may wish to take note of accomplishments and access those items not listed in the interest of brevity for this article.
1. General Fund revenues are at 90.63% of budget. Some predominant revenues affecting the overall revenue percentages are Current (Real) Property Taxes, Franchise Taxes, General Sales Tax, Building Permits, and Class C Road Allotment. Regarding our Current Property Taxes, we have exceeded our revenue budget projections by $136,435. This is due to the continued growth the City is experiencing.
2. Overall General Fund revenues are up 15.32% over the prior fiscal year. Property taxes are up 6.28%; Sales taxes are up 7.66%; and Franchise taxes are up 2.47% to the prior year. Golf revenues are up 4.01% over the prior fiscal year. Class C Road Allotment has increased 22.26% over the prior year which is due in part to the $.05 per gallon increase effective January 1, 2016 and the related “catching –up” for funding delayed while sorting out 2016”s HB60. Building Permit revenues are up 107.74% and Planning Fees are up 30.35% over the same period last year.
6. The Revenue Comparison schedule attached to this report is positive overall with most fund revenues being up in comparison to prior years. Impact fee revenues have noticeable increase due to permits being obtained for the new Smith’s grocery store on Mall Drive and the Vintage at Tabernacle student housing in July 2016; the Legacy Elementary on 100 S. during August 2016; the Hyatt Place hotel in September 2016; the DXATC building on Tech Ridge in October 2016; the Hampton Inn (Sun River), Comfort Suites on 1000 E., and Advanced Health medical building on Riverside Drive in December 2016; MV Properties (Legacy Ridge) on 1990 E. in April 2017; and in May 2017 the Intermountain Health expansion project on River Road.
7. The RAP Tax is a new tax and in FY 2016 we issued approximately $7.9 million in bonds, so the revenue comparison is skewed by the bond proceeds we received in the prior FY; however as compared to the RAP Tax budgeted revenue of $1.50 million; RAP Tax are currently at 83.68% of budget, and are now lagging the budget when compared to having completed 91.67% of the year. The RAP TAX doesn’t seem to be keeping up with prior budget projections.
My Friends, I have attempted to provide you with an overview of fiscal activities that may be of concern to you. For a complete report please contact City Recorder’s Office at SG City Hall.
As you can see from this limited report the City of SG continues to grow and improve. Yet, there are growing pains associated with the fast growth taking place. Every effort is being made within budget constraints to keep up with infrastructure…..Roads, Water & Electric Energy etc. As you can see there is great interest in Residential, Commercial and Industrial development. As the city moves forward the updating of City Ordinances is recognized as a crucial component of development. The need for keeping up with Fire and Police Services has been addressed in fiscal 2017-2018 budget. I have been assured that demands for Public Safety adjustments will be addressed when appropriate and necessary within this budget year.
The recommended general fund for this year is $66,855.020. The expenditures for 2017-2018 are broken down in the following categories. Personnel Services at $43,751.091, Materials and Supplies at $17,736.91 and Capital Outlay for $5,367,638. The General Fund is comprised of the following departments: General Government, Public Safety, Economic Development, Public Works, and Leisure Services.
Folks, please feel free to communicate your interests and concerns. I remain available for personal contacts on Thursday mornings at SG City Hall. I would appreciate hearing from you on Building Design Conceptual Site Plan and Parking submitted to the Planning Commission on July 11, 2017 for developing a Water Park and Family entertainment center to be called “Splash City Adventure Park.” The property is located at approximately 2200 East Middleton Drive and Red Hills Parkway.
REMINDER! This being an Election Year for Mayor and 2 City Council positions please get and stay involved.
Thank you, ED BACA