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Williams budget inches up one percent over 2015-16

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Upkeep of core services is the central focus of the 2016-2017 budget according to Williams Interim City Manager Jim Wine.

The slight increase in the city budget will go to the fire department, city maintenance and administrative services.

The Williams City Council is in its final steps before adopting the budget at a special work session June 23. The total budget for 2016-2017 is $21,624,925, which is up about one percent from the 2015-2016 budget of $21,357,815.

Wine attributes the increase to the general fund budget, which includes approximately $7,500 for election related expenses, $10,000 for firefighter training and professional consulting fees, $15,000 for maintenance department tools, a boom truck and a floor hoist and $5,000 for carpet cleaners.

"Last year there was a new software package, new water meters, a new well," Wine said. "So to the council's credit, they said 'Let's take a step back and just really focus on core services.' So there's not really any one area of big increase.

In addition, money from the Bed, Board and Booze (BBB) tax fund will go toward upgrades of recreation facilities, which could include restrooms at Buckskinner Park, ADA work at Cureton Park and improvements at the rodeo grounds.

"We'll continue to try to do park upgrades and that's all BBB funded," Wine said.

Wine said the council is allocating more money to Williams Fire Department in fiscal year 2017 for training and to hire a consultant to evaluate the department.

"The department is finding it difficult to find and retain people," Wine said. "Chase (Pearson) would like to increase training and have a third party come in and look at our structure and system. Have them look at the water system, hydrants, staffing, trucks, and apparatus and tell us where we need to go."

According to Wine, there is no increase in primary property tax.

"We're not looking at any increased in water, wastewater or electric," Wine said. "Not to say it won't happen in the future."

Wine said the Williams City Council also chose to take a conservative approach with the budget this year since the new city manager, Skylor Miller, has not started at city hall.

"I think the council is saying 'Let's get the new manager on board and get a fresh pair of eyes to look at it,'" Wine said. "I have to admit it's a very thoughtful council."

Wine said the council is hoping to focus on developing long term plans for the city's infrastructure.

"They're asking themselves 'What is the long term plan for the water system, the plan for wastewater, electric...'" Wine said.

Wine said the council wants city staff to focus on the needs for city services.

"I think they're asking 'What is it going to take to fund the street improvement program?'" he said. "It doesn't take a whole lot to drive around and see that we need to see a concentration effort there. But it takes money."

Wine said once plan are in place, the city can begin to find the money to match what is needed.

On the revenue side, the city's sale tax and Bed, Board and Booze tax revenue are up almost 20 percent over the previous year. The BBB brought in $900,625 in fiscal year 2015, and the city estimates fiscal year 2016 at $1,120,000.

"The BBB is doing really well," Wine said.

The city sales tax revenue is up about seven percent. The tax brought in $4,253,536 in fiscal year 2015, and the city estimates fiscal year 2016 at $4,540,584.

The city has allocated two percent for debt services in the budget. The city is carrying $523,836 in debt. That includes loans for the well improvements for the Rodeo, Dogtown and Sweetwater wells.

"It seems the council's position on the Sweetwater Well is that it is cased and can be like that for several years," Wine said. "The city is going to continue moving forward gradually, but it is well positioned for when the city needs it."

The city has not allocated any additional money for new employees, but has set aside $100,000 for employee raises.

"It's a pay for performance system," Wine said. "So we budget the maximum, but we know that's not going to be the case. My understanding is that when that anniversary date arrives they are evaluated for an up to three percent increase."


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