(Atlantic) The Atlantic City Council held a public hearing and approved the FY2022 budget on Wednesday.
The proposed budget is $14,740,571.00; this is a decrease of -18.25% or $3,289,610.00 less than the FY2021 of $18,030,774.00.
Atlantic City Administrator John Lund says the combined property tax levy shall remain at the level set in FY2021. He says the overall budget accomplishes the mayor and Council’s key priorities in funding for economic development, housing incentives, community beautification, and additional amenities for the public.
Lund says the City continues to budget any excess cash growth beyond required minimums towards inevitable liabilities in specialized funds, moving them away from operating budgets to minimize future debt assumptions or operating reserve deficits.
Lund says there will be no increase in existing fees and utility rates remain unchanged. The new fund balance reserves are all at their required minimum, and many will exceed the minimum. He says with one exception; the 10-year capital improvement plan is fully funded with a declining reliance on debt and responsible use of escrowed funds.
New Structural Revenues:
*Property taxes-$147,438
*Rental Income-$3,600.00
New Structural Expenses:
*Direct Labor Costs-$58,463.13
*Health Insurance Costs-$40,350
*Payroll Taxes and IBPERS-$1,563
*Liability Insurance-$23,950
The final budget must be certified by the County Auditor and submitted to the State by March 31, 2021.
In other business;
*The council approved the 10-year capital improvement plan which consists of 320 capital improvement projects including street improvements, sewer, storm sewer infrastructure, building updates, vehicles, and major and minor equipment that totals $23,455,727.00.
* The Council approved the salaries for appointed officials and employees of the City.
-Police Chief, 2.54-percent increase.
-Library Director, a 2.90-percent increase.
-Adult Services Librarian II, 6.38 percent increase, to adjust for a -4.15 percent or .80 an hour below the market average.
-Youth Services Librarian, 4.19-percent increase, which brings the salary aligned with her peers.
-Parks and Rec. Director, a 5-percent increase.
-Street Superintendent, 5.80 percent increase.
-City Clerk, 7.84-percent increase.
-City Administrator, a 2.4-percent increase.
City Administrator John Lund says when combining with the automatic union compensation changes, the City’s total labor compensation show an increase of $58,463.13, or 2.35-percent over the fiscal year 2021 estimated total labor compensation of $2,492,968.44.
*The council also approved the recommendation to sell the lot for new construction at 211 West 6th Street. Jeff Pross purchased the lot and plans to build a home on the property. The estimated cost of construction is around $110,000.00.
*The Council also approved a professional services agreement with Snyder and Associates for the West 22nd Street sidewalk project. The estimated cost of the project is $117,500.00. This is for the south side of West 22nd Street.
*The Council authorized the application for funding from the Southwest Iowa Planning Council Regional Planning Affiliate 13 for partial funding for the construction of West 22nd Street.
*The Council reappointed Jon Martens and Vicki Brown Brown to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
