This week's headlines

The City of Delta adopted a 2013 budget totaling more than $29 million Nov. 20 after addressing citizen and council concerns that expenditures exceeded revenues. During the first budget hearing earlier this month, Delta resident Gerald Roberts pointed out a difference of about $8 million and cited a section in the city charter which requires revenues to match expenditures.

The missing component, city manager Justin Clifton pointed out, is the use of unexpended fund balances. The 2013 budget initially circulated to council did not include reserve balances as potential sources of revenue. As a result, expenditures outstripped revenues for two major capital projects, the alternate truck route and the rec center expansion. Each fund has its own reserve balance, Clifton said, and overall those fund balances are very healthy.

A second issue of concern was the line item "Professional Services" included in just about every fund. Council member Bill Raley wanted specifics, which Clifton provided at the second budget hearing Nov. 20. In the citywide capital improvements fund, for example, attorney's fees, storm water consultants and independent contractors for concrete, painting, excavation and engineering services are lumped together under the $1,551,043 budgeted for "Professional Services."

Finally, council members reviewed the step increases proposed for "top performers" at the police department.

Assured by the explanations for all three items requiring clarification, council members unanimously adopted the 2013 budget and approved appropriations in the following amounts:

General Fund, $5,145,951; Conservation Trust Fund, $142,000; Recreation Center Fund, $4,538,715; Citywide Capital Improvements Fund, $5,047,480; Municipal Light and Power Fund, $7,245,947; Sewer Fund, $1,894,743; Water Fund, $1,963,513; Refuse Fund, $648,716; Golf Course Fund, $904,751; Internal Service Fund, $1,481,139; Employees' Dental Insurance Fund, $49,800; Capital Project Fund, $22,823,319; Debt Service Fund, $1,779,105; and Perpetual Care Fund, $1,000.

Property taxes for the City of Delta were set at 0.0 mills.

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