Politics & Government
Money Crunch: First Hearing on 2013-14 Kirkland Budget Next Week
The public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 18, will begin the potentially difficult process to develop a budget for the next biennium in challenging economic times.
The first public step in the potentially tough process to develop a 2013-14 city budget in these economically challenging times will take place on Tuesday during a hearing by the Kirkland City Council.
The good news: Kirkland maintains the highest, AAA rating by Standard & Poor's and is slowly recovering from the depths of the recession.
The bad news: City budget officials are still predicting a $5.3 million shortfall in operating revenues for the next three years.
The wild cards: . One is a $2.34 million annual levy to pay for improved maintenance and renovations of Kirkland’s cherished parks and the other a $3 million annual levy to address a backlog in road maintenance and add new sidewalks.
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Find out what's happening in Kirklandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Our economic situation is recovering, but relatively slowly from where it was,” Tracey Dunlap, city finance director, said Wednesday. “Generally speaking, I think the city has done well compared to others. The council has put in place good policies. Our credit rating is as high as it can be and some of that is a measure of our financial wherewithal. But it certainly has been a challenge.”
At the Sept. 18 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall (123 5th Ave.), the council will get an update on the city’s financial situation and scenarios for revenues, largely based on the fate of the two levies. Then the public will be asked to comment on those proposed revenue sources, as well as Kirkland’s six-year Capital Improvement Program plan, which addresses construction, repair, maintenance and acquisition of major capital facilities and equipment. Residents can also submit questions and concerns via email at 13-14budget@kirklandwa.gov.
City Manager Kurt Triplett will issue his recommended budget Oct. 26, and it will be available online. The council is tentatively scheduled to deliberate the proposed budget Oct. 25, Nov. 7 and Nov. 20. The council is expected to adopt the final budget, property tax levy and capital improvement plan at its Dec. 11 meeting.
To receive email updates on the 2013-2014 budget, City Council agendas and other city information, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/e-bulletins.
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