City Council Approves 2012 Fiscal Year Budget

The Belmont City Council on Tuesday night approved the city's 2012 fiscal year budget, which includes a nearly $700,000 surplus in the general fund.

The council voted 5-0 on seven of the eight budget resolutions up for consideration. Items one through three, and five through eight yielded unanimous votes from the council, while Vice Mayor Dave Warden provided the sole dissenting vote on the fourth item.

The eight resolutions are listed below.

1. Resolution Adopting the 2012 Revenue and Appropriations Budgets for Belmont Fire Protection District
2. Resolution Approving the 2012 Appropriations Limit for BFPD
3. Resolution Adopting the 2012 Revenue and Appropriations Budgets for RDA
4. Resolution Adopting the 2012 City Budget (General Fund)
5. Resolution Approving the 2012 Appropriations Limit (General Fund)
6. Resolution Approving the 2012 Master Revenue Schedule
7. Resolution Establishing the Annual Special Tax for Belmont Library
8. Resolution Classifying the Various Components of Fund Balance As Defined In Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 54 (GASB 45)

Warden said he voted against the budget even though he knew there would be enough votes for it to pass.

"There are things about the budget that I just fundamentally disagree with," he said of why he didn't vote in its favor.

The budget calls for an appropriation of $14,944,355 from the general fund, but $15,572,890 in revenue, leaving a $628,535 surplus, according to staff reports. Under the budget, the city is also able to staff 130 full-time employees.

Council members discussed the possibilities of raising the fees associated with renting out city spaces, as well as city programs, as a way of increasing revenue in the recreation fund.

"There’s clearly an opportunity to raise the rates," Council Member Warren Lieberman said.

Mayor Coralin Feierbach said it could be beneficial for the council to meet before the next budget is up for consideration to discuss the policy.

"There’s no time we actually meet and discuss policy," Feierbach said. "Maybe in January a few months before the budget, the council should meet in a study session and throw out ideas."

The budget was introduced to the council on May 24.

To view the complete budget, click on the attached PDF.