City may need $3 million more to cover proposed general fund, reserves
By Scott Rochat
Thursday, June 28, 2007
To do everything it wants next year, the city would need to add another $3 million to the general fund, according to City Manager Matt Zimmerman.
Zimmerman presented a first draft of the general fund to the Emporia City Commission on Wednesday. In it, he said that filling every job and purchase requested for 2008 would lead to a $1.25 million deficit at current tax revenues.
The rest of the hole would come from two reserve funds. The city is hoping to set aside a 5 percent reserve of $855,000 in case of emergencies. On top of that, Zimmerman urged the commission to save between $750,000 and $1 million to cover any recommendations by a new wage and benefit study to be commissioned later this year. The study is the city's first since 1984 and will look at what the city's employment and pay levels should be.
"It will be incumbent on us to try to implement whatever we find out from this study," Mayor Julie Johnson said
"Yes," Commissioner Jim Kessler agreed. "Why pay for something if we're not going to do anything about it?"
The situation leaves the city with two basic choices: either raise taxes to provide all the services, or cut some of the expenses. Based on current estimates, it would take nearly 20 mills for the city to raise $3 million in property taxes -- enough to add $230 in taxes to a $100,000 home if its valuation stayed steady.
No one proposed such a tax hike. But several commissioners and Zimmerman said they wanted to hear what the public wanted to do. Two more public meetings on the budget are planned, with the first tentatively scheduled for July 18.
"We definitely need community participation," Commissioner Bobbie Agler said.
Of the basic $1.25 million gap, nearly $500,000 come from personnel costs. Besides filling its estimated 12 to 15 vacancies -- including four police officers -- the city also hopes to add several new positions such as a city planner, a parks director and a rental housing inspector. Others involve changing some existing positions, such as turning a part-time animal control officer into a full-time one or steadily bringing up the number of firefighters trained as paramedics from 12 to 18.
In addition, the city plans to pay $240 more per employee per year for health insurance. The workers' contributions will not go up.
This draft also does not include raises, which could come about as a result of the wage study. Overall, personnel costs make up 62 percent of the proposed 2008 general fund. All together, the draft general fund comes to about $17.1 million, compared to about $15.4 million in projected revenues.
It also does not include the requests made at the first public budget meeting, although a second draft may. Some equipment costs may be shifted out of the general fund if the city establishes a separate multi-year fund for capital projects, although another revenue source would have to be decided on.
The commission will also look at which projects can be postponed, which positions can wait and whether any other revenue sources can be found.
The city's current mill levy is 40.956 mills. On a $100,000 house, that generates nearly $471 in property taxes.
In a lunch meeting with the Lyon County Commission, the two commissions agreed to hold a joint budget meeting for the public. The date of that has not been set.
netloafer (anonymous) says...
It'll be interesting to see how this one gets worked out. Either cut services or increase the mill levy by 50%.
This morning I heard Matt Zimmerman call one of the options "revenue enhancements." That's the tax option. The other option is cutting expenses, which no one in Emporia wants to do. Once a commissioner suggests cutting a particular expense, the people whose ox is being gored will raise hell and that'll be that. If they suggest eliminating some positions we'll all find out that the city can't possibly live without them.
Despite what seems to be good news on some fronts, the truth is we're in a deep hole and there are no good ways to dig out.
June 28, 2007 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Here we go again. Taxes, taxes, taxes. Where does it stop. This same group are the ones to allow business to come in with tax breaks. Where in the hell is mine. If my taxes go up by the approximate $230 with the already tax raise from last year of $254, I might as well call my bank right now and tell them they can have the keys. Believe me, I am not the only one in Emporia in this situation. Again, it is burn the little guy but protect the big shot. Once again, the people who need to see this are the ones who have the money and do not care. They want public participation, then have the meetings when the majority of people can attend, not during regular working hours. I would like to have the phone numbers for all the city officials so we can have all of the townspeople and county to call and give their opinions. Of course, they would have to be recorded calls because of the liars we have in office. Of course they want to keep as few people from the meetings because the truth hurts.
June 28, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
One more thing, how in the hell did it get in this situation to begin with? Sounds like a cover up to me.
June 28, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
I don't think the city is entirely to blame. I don't know of anyone who is for curtailing any service funded by tax dollars. I've seen these things tried before. Just about any time the baloon is floated we march down to city hall and demand that the service not be eliminated. We all want low taxes and the maximum number of services and benefits, but unfortunately that's not the real world.
What services would you be willing to give up? Maybe have trash picked up every other week? The fireworks we all enjoy on the Fourth of July? How about the golf course or some of the other parks we maintain? Most of us have friends working for city government. Would we be willing to eliminate their jobs if they were demonstrated to be redundant?
That's the unfortunate reality of Emporia. While I hope it isn't, it may be past the point of fixing.
By the way, the commissioners do have a phone number - 620-343-4251. You could also contact the mayor on e-mail - julia.johnson@emporia.ws. The city manager is also listed in Feist. The commissioners also have phone numbers listed in the phone book. Call them or e-mail them.
You might also consider running for office. You sound a bit like Diogones looking for an honest man. Maybe you fit the bill. We'd elect you and you'd become the only honest politician in the city.
June 28, 2007 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
Hmmm. Do what a lot of cities do and MAKE PEOPLE TAKE THEIR TRASH TO THE DUMP. The trash men won't lose jobs because someone has to be at the dump to monitor who's throwing what trash in what piles (is there a recycling center there?)
Fireworks: Scratch that. It's not a NEED, it's a WANT.
Golf: Also a NEED, not a WANT. And we can sell the golf course (and golf store and manager) and make a profit.
How about the million dollar brick clock (or was it $3 million?, I don't remember). Then they unplugged the digital clock that worked just fine (and was probably paid for).
We could get rid of the nasty women in the DMV office.
Lower the salaries of the mayor and commissioners (county & city). Fire the ones who just take up space at desks all day instead of actually working.
I have more but gotta go.
M
June 28, 2007 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Gotta love that Melissa!! Hey you all read my post on the article above this one.
June 28, 2007 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
There is a recycling center and people have to take their stuff to it. I don't think that having thirty thousand people taking non recyclable trash to the dump is practical at all.
I don't think people here are willing to give up the Fourth of July celebration. It's one of the few things most people here attend.
I don't play golf, so I don't consider it a "NEED."
The clock is water under the bridge. I guess we could demolish it now, but that would cost money.
I've never been treated badly at the DMV office. Not that there aren't rude or nasty people down at city hall. I don't know which ones just take up space. Using that criteria, though, possibly over half the people posting to these forums should be fired for doing this instead of doing the work some employer is paying them to do.
I just called the city and found out that the mayor and the city commissioners make $500 a month. I suppose it's a dent, but not a very big one.
June 28, 2007 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
LOL, netloafer. I actually GET PAID to be online. :)
Oh, and look up Lisbon Falls, Maine. I lived there for well-over 2 years. No trash pick-up at all. Everyone is required to go to the dump. And it does work very well.
We could resell the brick clock....I bet it's not worth the cost the city put into it, though. ;)
So, with $500/month I guess they all have outside jobs, too? Very interesting. Oh--is this the car dealer and accountant?
Do we really need to add a "rental housing inspector"? What's wrong with the current zoning guys?
Do we really need a "parks director"? Why couldn't the Rec Center do that?
M
June 28, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Why can not the commissioners just donate their time? After all, they are some of the ones not really doing anybody any favors. By the way netloafer I pretty well am my own boss. And if you will notice the time of most of the posts it is before work, lunch and after except for those that can do it all day. They ain't hard to figure out. Apparently you are not paid for a job or just like to stir up other problems. If an employer cares, they would stop the employee, however I feel most employers will hide behind the employee to make them selves look better because they are to afraid to show their faces and say how they really feel because of reprocusions form this fine town. If they are on here why are they so afraid to use their real names?
June 28, 2007 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
I'm sure there are droves of people here in Emporia that are just dying to buy that monstrosity.
You've got a great job, getting to comment on the goings on here in Emporia and getting paid to boot. I didn't realize that commenting on things here were worth a salary. Does it pay by the word?
June 28, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I wish it did, then I would not worry about taxes and thieves running our town. I am just glad to see that others are starting to wake up as to what is really going on around here. Now, if we can all get together to show our disapprovals wouldn't it be great? I think there should be a high dollar tax accountant from the Irs come in and audit the cities books. Hmmmmm!
June 28, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Like I said before, run for office. You're probably the only honest man in Lyon county. You'd fix it all and we could then rename Emporia and call it Camelot or Nirvana.
June 28, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
netloafer, depends on the job. :)
But, that's neither here nor there. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks the clock is awful.
M
June 28, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Thank you netloafer, I admire "Diogenes" (correct spelling). He was an admired person (if he was a person). I am a skeptic and an epicurian. Why does this town go on spending money on needless items that people think we need. These things, such as the clock, are they going to draw more people and businesses to this town?? I think the city officials keep their heads where the sun don't shine, kind of like an ostrich if you get my drift. As for me, my face is really tanned.
June 28, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
What is the problem? It is only money. How about selling the library and zoo?
June 28, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slvrnblck (anonymous) says...
I have been reading your posts for a while now, Dave, and it really seems like you have displeasure for the way that this city is ran. The people running it are elected. Meaning that that they were chosen by the public to represent us and to do what is best for the whole. If you don't like the way things are done you are free to leave. This is not a prison. You are choosing to allow these so called "thieves" to affect your life by spending your tax dollars etc. You seem to be very passionate and angry about what they do and how they do it but fail to realize that you are making the choice to enable them by living in this city. There seems to be only one solution for you.....
June 28, 2007 at 2:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
I've told daveedailey the same thing about running for office. Maybe he could fix the place.
But, he's cashing in if he can sell his house, so that probably means Emporia and Lyon county are doomed.
If he really wants to leave, I wish him well. If he reconsiders and runs for office I'll vote for him on the contrarian ticket just for the amusement.
I've seen that he doesn't like having Somalis around, or Mexicans. He thinks every politician is a crook or liar, and says that any time someone says something to him in response they're attacking him. He complains about others using anonymity while he uses it as a cloak for himself so that he can attack everyone who doesn't agree with him.
All in all, I'd say he's just what Emporia needs
June 28, 2007 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Again, read the posts. I am trying to get out of here, but do you understand the housing market here right now????? Further more I did not vote for those people Longbine or Agler. If you want to pay more in taxes, be my guest. Not I or several other people think any of this is fair. Do you talk with people or just run your or hands mouth???
June 28, 2007 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
For your information netloafer, I do not complain about the somolies or mexicans. Just so you know, I have black, white, mexican, asian and gay in my family so get over your perfect world self. I love all of them and am even able to laugh about some of them and I do not hide behind false names or characters. You apparently do not read very well. Seems to me we have another snake show up!!!
June 28, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LocalGuy (anonymous) says...
Dave, You think everyone is always personally attacking you. I know what the housing market is I just had someone offer to buy my house and it isn't even for sale. The problem is if you don't take care of your house and you think it is worth more than it is. Do you have your house listed for sale maybe that should be the first step so you can get out of town. I'm happy for you that you have a little bit of everyone in your family. Great Job. Good luck with selling your house.
June 28, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
daveedailey
Some direct quotes of comments YOU'VE made on this site follow. They reveal you to be a real man of the people.
"I am fine, if they come here legally and learn the English we speak and do not flaunt the Mexican flag, etc in our faces. If they want citizenship, make them go through the channels, just like anyone else. I really believe that those who come illegally and have their babies here should be sent back. These are usually the same people that we working Americans end up supporting. Let them get jobs at Hopkins in Mexico (haha)"
"Oh, sorry!!! One more thing, then I will go to my room. Can we have a big Independence Day Celebration (for those of you who do not know,Fourth of July) in Mexico and fly the American flag higer than any other flag there?"
"I agree with Snake. If you do not like us leave. If you want to stay, make it known by paying taxes, social security and displaying the American flag above the Mexican. This is America. If you want it to be like Mexico, go back where you came from. Why should my tax dollars go to support you and your children when the American children suffer in poverty and hell because their parents are paying to support illegals."
"Sorry, I just have to make another comment to make my day. The businesses in this town are finding out that the Somalians are all giving the same address and birthday. No response when they are sent a bill. Have you had the privilidge of driving behind them in town? Scary!!!!"
June 28, 2007 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Just truths spoken. Face the facts.
June 28, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Local guy, yes my house is for sale. No my house is not over priced. The price is what the realator advised. Any more questions?? Oh, by the way my house is very nice and very well kept. The whole main floor was remodled not to long ago. Also, it has all new plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical and sets on some land. I also have beatiful flowers!
June 28, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
You guys, why does everything have to become a personal attack?
M
June 28, 2007 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LocalGuy (anonymous) says...
Well good luck trying to sell and move out of town. You should be out of here in nothing flat if everything you said is true about your perfect house :)
June 28, 2007 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
johncanyon (anonymous) says...
Hey Dave
If you do get out of this town and get what you want for your castle. Where are you going to go, that there are no crooked city officials or crooked county commisioners? Where is this "Land of Milk and Honey"? Please let me know where this place is. I would like to move there myself.
I have a feeling that where ever you go, you will not be happy and will find something to complain about.
As has been posted above. Why don't you run for office in this county or town and fix the problem and stop complaining
June 28, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
Back to the article. My taxes have gone up so much in the last 10 year that I have to cut out a lot of frills. Why can't the city do that. My health insurance went up 5% this year & I got a 3 % raise. I think the city employees should pay a little more for their insurance like a lot of people in town. There is so much wasted money in this town that it is a shame. Most of the commissioners are well off and don't have to worry if they will be able to afford their prescriptions this month.
June 28, 2007 at 9:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
food4thought (anonymous) says...
This town and county are all about taxes. Mine have gone up like everyone else such as vankamp but l like other people Did Not get a RAISE this year. So can someone tell me how to stretch my money when there is no extra to cover higher taxes or gas prices. I work in Emporia for a doctor office and we never hardly see raises or bonuses. Taxes effects people differently some complain because they don't want to write the check and others complain because the Can Not write the check. When you can't write the check is when you have to look for a better tax friendly county or city. I think several of us are doing just that...
June 29, 2007 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
daveedailey....Do what I did. Sell out and leave the cesspool called Emporia. It's not worth the aggravation. I did, life is great, I'm happy again.
June 29, 2007 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
imgone,
I'm interested in where you moved. Several people I work with today expressed the desire to leave Emporia.
June 29, 2007 at 8:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Thank you to the smarter people of Emporia. Glad to kinow others are facing the facts. Too bad there are jealous others that just run their traps instead of letting the people know what Emporia is really about!!!!
June 30, 2007 at 9:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
daveedailey......Come to Lawrence, it's great, you'll like it. It has been rated as one of the best places to live in the country. Good schools, good hospital, sports, lakes, golf, fine resturants. What more could you want?
July 1, 2007 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Thank you Imogene. Love your idea.
July 2, 2007 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Isn't it amazing how some of the people are so jealous of us with minds that are not afraid to face the facts. They even want to know information that has nothing to do with the article. They would rather gripe about what we say than to face the truth. In other words, they need no more information on any of us.
July 2, 2007 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
daveedailey - is it worth it to stay here? Can you cut your losses and go? You're really hurting, and I just don't think it's worth it. My family used to think we'd wait for an upward move to get out, but now we're in "lateral move" mode. It won't be long before I'm ready to liquidate and take a downward move just to get back to SOMEPLACE that matches my ideals and beliefs about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Bruff's does NOT have the best steak in town. Flinthills 8 is NOT the best place to take a date. Taco Bell does NOT have the best taco. If the city or county raises taxes again, I'll lose my HOUSE! I haven't had a raise in three years, by the way, Mr. MAN.
July 6, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
So sad.
I must say that I never thought "leaving Emporia" would be the solution until recently.
I can't say I know how it feels because I do not live there now. But I do know that I'd be relocating (if I could) if all this were happening where I live now.
M
July 6, 2007 at 10:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
MelissaE, you have left, as you see imgone. vankamp, daveedailey, get out while you can [if you can]. Life is to short not to enjoy it. Be happy.
July 7, 2007 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Thank you Imogone and Vankamp. Believe me, my house is already up for sale and I have decided where to go. The pay for the type of job I do is twice what I can get here. I will really miss the friends, relatives, doctors but none of the crooked politics.
July 9, 2007 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )