November 22 — Council approves $57.5 million budget

The Sumner City Council approves budget, discusses use of reserve funds for Daffodil Festival, statue program

Roxanne Cooke / of the Herald

The Sumner City Council this week unanimously passed a $57.5 million budget for 2008.

During Monday’s council meeting, the council rejected a proposal to use reserve funds for a historical statue program but approved a motion to increase the city’s contribution to the Daffodil Festival.

Several council members voted against the motion that would have given $15,000 to the Arts Commission to begin fundraising efforts for a statue program, a cause championed by councilman Matthew Richardson.

Council members cited a “tight budget” as the main reason they couldn’t support the budget amendment.

“Mr. Richardson has been close to this for some time,” said councilman Steve Allsop. “(But) money’s tight.”

Richardson said the point was to give the Arts Commission some direction for the project, something he referred to as a “win-win” situation because the money would be returned to the city within three years if no additional funds could be raised.

The council voted 5-2 against Richardson’s motion with Randy Hynek and Richardson casting the only yes votes.

A second motion to amend the budget and use reserve funds passed 4-3. Council voted yes to increase the city’s annual contribution to the Daffodil Festival from $5,000 to $10,000. Leroy Goff, Allsop and Curt Brown voted no.

Richardson described the increase as “the right thing” to support the town’s tradition. Goff pointed out that the budget is too tight for the increase.

Before council voted on the budget, councilman Mike Connor addressed the audience. Although council members continued to state the budget is tight next year, it’s not that bad, he said.

“I don’t see a gloomy future for Sumner,” Connor said. “I’m proud of the budget.”

The only thing lacking is the involvement of the public, he continued.

“Please get involved,” Connor said. “Enjoy the community.”

The $6.8 million increase over the 2007 budget is on account of new city projects and yearly rises in utilities and employee salaries.

Because the city determined it would face a $7.35 million deficit if finances weren’t changed, the city has looked at ways to reduce costs and increase revenue, including annexing into Fire District No. 22 and further developing an online billing service for residents.

The city’s general fund for 2008 is $14.5 million, up from this year’s $14.3 million.