Final public hearing for City budget

City taxpayers have one more opportunity for input on the City of St. Augustine FY 2012 budget at a public hearing on Thursday, September 22, 2011, beginning at 5:05 p.m. in the Alcazar Room of City Hall located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine.

The commission first met in workshop sessions and then held the first of two required public hearings. The workshop was on August 24 and 25 and the initial public hearing on September 8.

The City of St. Augustine is at the conclusion of its annual budget process. Thursday’s public hearing is the final step before adopting the budget.

Highlights of the 2011-2012 budget:
• No millage increase, results in a $720,264 reduction in ad valorem taxes
• Four positions eliminated, results in a $222,197 savings
• Three positions filled with lower paid employees due to VSIP program
• Deferred maintenance on structures results in a $181,000 savings
• Workers Compensation reduced by $98,000
• Negotiated no increase in medical insurance
• Eliminated $40,000 professional services
• Eliminated The St. Augustine Report, results in a $15,500 savings

The new budget goes into effect on October 1, and includes nine separate funds:
• General Fund
• Community Redevelopment Agency Fund
• Utility Fund
• Stormwater Fund
• Solid Waste Fund
• Municipal Marina Fund
• Heritage Tourism Fund
• Visitor Information Center Fund
• 450th Commemoration Fund

The General Fund and the Community Redevelopment Agency Fund are supported by ad valorem taxes. The others are enterprise funds, meaning they are funded through service fees and must be financially self-supporting.