Ark Valley News - No tax increase in Park City’s proposed 2016 budget

No tax increase in Park City’s proposed 2016 budget
By David Dinell
Last Updated: July 15, 2015

The first draft of the 2016 budget was reviewed at the Park City City Council's July 14 meeting and while it's a work in progress, there's no property tax mill levy increase in the works.

While spending in the budget will increase, a $4 million increase in property valuation and more revenue from the motor vehicle tax will pay for that, City Administrator Jack Whitson said.

As planned, the 2016 budget will be $4.87 million up from $4.62 million in 2015. The increase is $248,635, or about 5 percent. However, the wild card is employee health insurance. Last year, it increased 12 percent and the city could be facing an increase of about 10 percent this year, Whitson said.

Whitson and the council don't have much time to iron things out, however, as the budget needs to be published in early August and a hearing by mid-August before it's sent to the county clerk.

The biggest general fund expense is the police department, which accounts for 41 percent of the budget, or about $2 million.

The 2016 budget calls for an increase of $46,517, which council member Melvin Kerr questioned. Chief Phil Bostain explained that was for new vehicles and without that expense, the department's budget would actually have gone down.

More money, some $12,640, also is being slated for the senior center.

Whitson said the center has a new director who is putting on more programs and activities for area seniors, thus the higher expense.

The council debated whether to hold a workshop on the budget, but decided against it, with members agreeing that email updates from Whitson should suffice before he presented an update at the July 28 meeting.

Whitson said his main charge was to be "conservative" on revenue numbers and while there are a number of projects officials would like to tackle, especially in regards to streets, if the timing isn't right, they'll be put on hold.

Expect changes before the budget is final, officials say. As council member Tom Jones put it: "It's a moving target until all the numbers are in."

In other action, the council:

•Approved, by a 5-1 vote, an ordinance dealing with keeping pot belly pigs as pets in the city. The rules define such animals as a "domesticated, miniature Vietnamese, Chinese or Asian potbellied pig that doesn't weight more than 150 pounds and is more than 24 inches high as measured at the shoulder.

There is, however, a provision for larger such pigs if officials determine that such an animal would not "threaten the health, safety and welfare of the City and its residents."

Tom Jones took issue with the provision and voted against it.

Among the bill's highlights:

•Only one such pig is allowed for on property 5 acres or less.

•The pig cannot be raised for slaughter or food.

•The animal must be spayed or neutered and proof provided in order to get a license.

•The pig must be housed and kept in the primary residence. It is allowed outside, however, they must be in a privacy fenced yard that will restrict the animal.

•The owner must obtain a license from the city and pay a fee of $15. The owner must also show that the animal has been examined by a veterinarian and has been vaccinated as needed.

The new rules are nine pages long and also repeal the city's former laws on the issue. They will take effect upon being published in The News.

A pet pig owner who attended the meeting said he's glad it passed.

"This helps clarifies things a lot," said Michael Canady, who lives in north Park City with his family, which includes a 57-pound pet pig named Olive. "It's a good thing."

•Approved an ordinance allowing for the purchase of private property along 53rd Street North from Broadway to a half mile east of Hydraulic for the purpose of a road improvement project. The city has legal right to buy the property under eminent domain laws. The land will be used for easements and right of ways.

•Approved appropriations of $445,537 for the period from June 24 to July 10. Staff also reported $314,510 in open purchase orders.

•Approved several expenditures as recommended by the Convention and Tourism Board. They include: sponsorship of the 2016 Park City Chill at the Kansas Pavilions, Feb. 26-28 for $10,000; sponsorship of the Rough Stock Rodeo in October for $10,000 (subject to a contract with Hartman Arena); renewal of annual membership in the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission for $5,000; and purchase of Park City shirts for $2,000. The money is coming for the transient guest tax funds. The council also was informed that the Park City Chill, which is a vehicle show for those interested in cars, motorcycles and semis, continues to grow. Now going into its seventh year, show organizers say they will continue to promote Park City to their visitors by including the city's name in artwork in promotional materials. City officials are requesting that coupons for local motels be included, too.

•Heard a report from Rick Norman, director of public works.

He said Park Department staff had been busy with mowing and trimming. It also completed repairs to irrigation lines at the entrance to McLean Park. The Street Department staff has been patching roads. Year to date, it has patched 1,600 square feet. It also conducted mosquito fogging in late June. The Water/Sewer Department has recorded an average of 21 work orders a day for June.

There was one executive session, which lasted five minutes. Six members and the mayor were present. Chris Johns and John Lehnherr were absent. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. July 28 at City Hall.