The city of Walnut remains on firm fiscal footing going into the next fiscal year.
The Walnut City Council Wednesday night voted 5-0 to approve the $16 million annual operating budget for 2013-14 and the five-year Capital Improvement Program. That program includes $1.4 million for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
“The 2013-14 budget is basically a ‘rollover budget,’” staff wrote in a report to council. “This means staff is able to present a balanced budget, while still maintaining a high level of service.”
City Manager Rob Wishner said the credit goes to the staff for keeping Walnut’s budget balanced.
The council’s approval of the plan comes after a May 8 study session on the budget.
At the study session, city staff discussed several items that affect budget expenditures including $129,700 for the 2014 city election, a 5 percent increase in the sheriff’s contract, the ongoing transfer of expenses for the Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District, a general fund loan to that district totaling $104,000, and Meadowpass Road monitoring and maintenance.
Councilwoman Nancy Tragarz praised staff for their hard work on the budget. “We do have a balanced budget,” she said. “And actually, we have a little extra, so that’s good.”
Councilwoman Mary Su echoed that praise and called on residents to help boost revenues by shopping in Walnut. The city has one of the lowest rates for taxes coming back to Walnut so shopping locally can bring in needed funding, she said.
Budget Revenues:
Restricted Revenue Applied: $4,230,370
Non-Restricted Revenue: $10,501,850
General Fund Loan to LOSMD: $104,400
Restricted Fund Balance Applied: $358,800
Facility Maintenance Fund Applied: $619,600
Walnut Housing Authority: $276,270
Total: $16,091,290
Budget Expenditures
Personnel: $4,656,660
Operations: $11,033,990
Capital Outlay: $372,450
Total: $16,063,100
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