By Sarah Armijo Walnut – The Walnut City Council approved the $16 million budget plan for 2013-14 and the five-year Capital Improvement Program at the last City Council Meeting on Wednesday night. The Walnut City Council approved the annual operating budget plan and the program with a vote of 5-0. The Capital Improvement Program includes a little over $1.4 million for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The council approved the plan after a study session of the budget on May 8. At the study session, City Manager Wishner provided an overview of the revenues and expenditures, the impacts of the budget, and various projects, which were all outlined in a set of slides provided to the City Council. Wishner explained that the process of preparing the budget begins in January of each year and in May, staff presents a final budget for adoption. Wishner was extremely pleased to present a balanced budget. Projected revenues totaled $16,091,290 and expenditures totaled $16,063,100. Wishner stated that the upcoming budget impacts were: the 2014 City Council Elect (this is budgeted bi-annually); the Sheriff Contract Increase of 5%; the on-going transfer of expense from Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District (LOSMD) to the General Fund (direct and overhead costs are included); the General Fund Loan to LOSMD (tree trimming, water, maintenance of slopes); storm drains; and Meadowpass Road monitoring and maintenance. Also, this year’s budget mirrors last year’s budget, which means no services were cut. The City Council praised their staff for their hard work on keeping the Walnut budget balanced. They also encourage residents to “Shop Walnut” to help boost revenues. One percent of all sales tax collected in the City goes towards the City Budget. Here is a breakdown of the budget revenues and expenditures, according to the Walnut City Council minutes: Budget Revenues: – Restricted Revenue Applied (Gas Tax, Propositions A & C transportation restricted resources): $4,230,370 – Non-Restricted Revenue (General Fund revenue consisting of property and sales tax): $10,501,850 – General Fund Loan to LOSMD: $104,400 – Restricted Fund Balance Applied (amounts not spent and carried over to the next fiscal year): $358,800 – Facility Maintenance Fund Applied (funds City facilities): $619,600 – Walnut Housing Authority: $276,270 Total: $16,091,290 Budget Expenditures: – Personnel: $4,656,660 – Operations: $11,033,990 – Capital Outlay: $372,450 Total: $16,063,100 Here is a breakdown of the 2013-2014 Capital Projects: -Trail Projects: $100,000 -Street Resurfacing: $675,000 -Slurry Seal Projects: $650,000 Total: $1,425,000
