City committee OKs $3.4 million budget
From our weekly issue dated May 19, 2010
The city of Cave Junction Budget Committee voted 9-0 to approve a $3.4 million budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year during its Wednesday, May 12 meeting at city hall.
The committee consisted of Mayor Don Moore, the members of the city council, and citizens Mary Orton, Rita Dyer, Barbara Ford, Roy Hewson and Willa Gustavson. Dyer was selected as chairman, and Councilor Margaret Miller was absent.
Included in the budget is a 5 percent increase required for the cost-of-living adjustment in the city“s union contract, as well as funds for step promotions and certification attainment.
Total personnel services went from $659,300 to $729,700. That includes an increase from $73,500 to $78,900 for two clerk positions; $131,400 to $138,000 for three treatment operators; and $144,000 to $153,600 for four maintenance operators.
The city“s contribution to the state Public Employees Retirement System was boosted from $49,000 for the 2009-10 fiscal year to $54,000 to cover the forecasted rates for all its employees.
Medical insurance expenses went from $137,400 to $158,500, a 15 percent rise. City Recorder Jim Polk said that was in anticipation of greater union-negotiated costs for coverage, with specific figures to be decided toward the end of 2010.
The city“s nominal operating budget will be $2.7 million. Approximately $183,684 is allocated for debt service, and $91,316 is set aside as reserves for specific purposes. Costs for materials and services dropped from $138,300 to $118,500.
Contingency funds dropped from $133,000 to $98,000. Polk said that $15,000 was pulled from that fund to pay for a repaving of the city hall parking lot.
In the 2009-10 fiscal year, the city allocated $30,000 for legal expenses. That figure was due to litigation, Polk said, and the settlement of a lawsuit filed by Copeland Sand & Gravel regarding a paving dispute.
Additional funds also are budgeted for the city“s contract with the Josephine County Sheriff“s Office for dedicated deputy patrols. The 2009-10 fiscal year budgeted $110,000 for 40 hours per week of patrols, which has risen to $159,000 in the hopes of establishing 60 patrol hours per week.
According to city documents, the additional coverage will be funded with revenue collected from traffic fines, impound releases and an increase in the assessed value of property in the city.
The budget is based on a property tax rate of $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed value. Polk said that it will be sent to the city council for adoption during its June 28 meeting.
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