4/3/2012 - Opportunities for Public to Weigh in on School and City Budgets
With revenues stabilizing, $206 million budget maintains core service levels and includes several initiatives to enhance local government

What: Last night, Portland City Manager Mark Rees presented his proposed municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13), which begins July 1, 2012, to the City Council. The $206.8 million budget includes a number of initiatives to help the city achieve long term financial stability, spur economic growth, support innovation and enhance the local government experience for the public. Tonight at 5:30 PM, the Portland City Council Finance Committee begins their review of both the city and school budget submissions. This public process will continue throughout the months of April and May concluding with a citywide vote on the school budget Tuesday, May 15 and final passage of the municipal budget by the City Council May 21.

The City Manager’s FY13 budget submission calls for a structurally balanced budget, operating revenues equal operating expenses and includes a proposed 2.9% property tax rate increase. The budget also includes several initiatives including the creation of a Waterfront Management Group, streamlining the city’s permitting and inspections process and an overhaul of the city’s website to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the public. The budget also highlights several signs of economic improvement including increases in excise tax and building permits, $230,000 and $150,000 respectively, as well as fully funding the Creative Economy TIF at $100,000. The city anticipates energy savings in excess of $870,000 resulting in large part from hundreds of energy efficiency upgrades completed this year. The mild winter included additional good news with a savings of $225,000 for salt purchases. The proposed combined tax rate increase for both city and school is 3.2%, which for a home valued at $227,000 means a total tax increase of $133.93. For information about the proposed FY13 budget, visit the city’s website.

At tonight’s Finance Committee meeting, members will begin their review with an overall discussion of the budget and presentations for the library and smaller city departments including the City Clerk’s Office, Human Resources and Finance. On Thursday, April 5, the Finance Committee will continue its review with presentations for Planning and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Fire, Police and Public Services. The Finance Committee will carry on their review the following week with presentations for Recreation and Facilities Management April 10th and a discussion of the school budget April 12th during which public comment will be taken.

On Monday, April 23rd, the Portland School Committee will present its recommended budget to the City Council and on Wednesday April 25th, the Finance Committee will take public comment and vote on the city and school budget as well as the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget.

On April 30th, the City Council will hold a workshop and public hearing on the school budget. The following Monday, May 7th, the City Council will vote on the school budget.

On May 14th, the City Council will hold a workshop for the municipal budget and the following Monday, May 21st, the City Council will vote on the municipal budget and CIP. [Please note the schedule is subject to change, visit the city’s website for the latest information on the budget process, online]

Schedule for the School, City and CIP Public Process:
Tuesday, April 3, 5:30 PM, Room 209: Finance Committee budget review on Library and smaller city departments.

Thursday, April 5, 5:30 PM, Room 209: Finance Committee budget review on the following city departments, Public Services, Planning and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Fire and Police.

Monday, April 9, 5:30 PM, City Council Chambers: City Council Workshop on CIP budget.

Tuesday, April 10, 5:30 PM, Room 209: Finance Committee budget review for Recreation and Facilities Management and CIP.

Thursday, April 12, 5:30 PM, Room 209: Finance Committee Public Hearing, public comment taken on school and city budgets.

Monday, April 23, 7:00 PM, City Council Chambers: School Board presents school budget to the City Council.

Wednesday, April 25, 5:30 PM, City Council Chambers: Finance Committee Public Hearing, public comment taken and vote on city, school budgets and CIP.

Monday, April 30, 5:30 PM, City Council Chambers: City Council Workshop for school budget followed by a public hearing for the school budget at 7:00 PM.

Monday, May 7, 7:00 PM, City Council Chambers: City Council Workshop second reading and vote on school budget.

Monday, May 14, 5:30 PM, City Council Chambers: City Council Workshop for city budget only.

Tuesday, May 15: Citywide vote on school budget.

Monday, May 21, 7:00 PM, City Council Chambers: City Council Public Hearing and vote city budget and CIP.
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