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City budget to get 10 percent boost over the last fiscal year
Council set to approve final version May 15
By Erin Mayes
Council members have adopted a preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year that increases the city's operating budget by nearly 10 percent, up to $44.5 million from $40.6 million this fiscal year.
The draft version was adopted at a May 2 study session, and the final version will return for approval at the next council meeting on May 15. The 2001-02 fiscal year begins June 1.
This year's budget is a balanced one, with no new taxes, although there are some new user fees and charges projected because of increased development.
City Manager Bernie Strojny said there has been revenue growth in the areas of property tax, sales tax, investment income and transient occupancy tax--basically a hotel tax. Strojny said there have been higher occupancy and higher rates for the 433 rooms that are available in Campbell's three hotels.
"Our sales tax figures are pretty strong so the revenue picture looks pretty good this year," Finance Director Gretchen Conner said.
Strojny said that the sales tax, which is approximately 40 percent of the revenue, is anticipated to increase due to new businesses opening up. Stoddard's Brewhouse, for example, which is being built along E. Campbell Avenue, is expected to generate quite a bit of sales tax. Overall, revenue is expected to increase 4 percent next year.
Almost $1 million has been set aside to fund street and sidewalk maintenance and an extra $300,000 is being set aside from the capital improvement plan reserve.
Other major projects planned for the upcoming year include development of a comprehensive approach for the delivery of case management services for the elderly and the maintenance of Edith Morley Park's restrooms.
The new downtown parking structure on E. Campbell Avenue, projected to be completed in spring 2002, will eat up a good chunk of money, as should the reconstruction of Campisi Way, with complete reconstruction of a new storm drain along Cristich Lane, as well.
The city will also have to start giving its fair share of money for the Vasona Light Rail Project and the community center master plan improvements.
March 2002 marks Campbell's 50th anniversary, for which the city is planning a celebration that will require a good chunk of funds for planning and coordination efforts.
The redevelopment agency will also use some of the money budgeted for 2001-2002 for four new low-income houses, projected to be built in partnership with Project Match this summer on Pollard Road.
Another project the agency plans to start this summer is the Campbell Avenue master developer site, which is the result in the construction of a combined retail and living space development.
Strojny said the city expects utility costs to rise 50 to 75 percent next year, thanks to the energy crisis, and this has been accounted for within the budget under nondepartmental expenditures.
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Campbell, California
