333 S. Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371 - 253-841-4321

City of Puyallup

2009-2010 Budget Highlights

Using the Council's policy direction and conservative revenue estimates as a foundation, we have put together a budget recommendation that is responsible, responds to our current needs and lives within our means.  Significant items include:

  • No tax increases;
  • General Fund Reserve is restored to 12% in 2008 and should be at least 11.6% at the end of 2010;
  • The note to purchase the former Cornforth Campbell site is paid off using Real Estate Excise tax revenues;
  • $12 million budgeted to move towards the completion of the Shaw Road Extension and the 9th/94th Avenue projects;
  • $3.2 million budgeted for 39th Ave SW, 9th to Meridian project in 2010;
  • $80,000 annually has been added for sidewalk upgrades in conjunction with our street maintenance program;
  • Full funding for the city's program in response to the new Stormwater (NPDES) Permit requirements;
  • No utility fee increases beyond those addressed in the last rate study;
  • Multi-million dollar investment in sewer system infrastructure improvements, including:
    • Cherokee Sewer Basin improvements, $1.9 million
    • Secondary Clarifier Number 3, $4.6 million
    • Pioneer Lift Station, $3.6 million

 

The Budget Process

In the City of Puyallup, the budget process is a team effort with the City Council setting goals and priorities, each department proposing expenditure levels to meet those goals (with expenditures for personnel and other expenses limited to those goals), and everyone working together to ensure total expenses are within available revenues and the appropriate level of funding is maintained.

The City uses a program level budget approach and uses that level of detail in the budget document.  However, the budget is adopted by the City Council at the total fund level.

The process used by the City of Puyallup has evolved over the years to insure timely and accurate submittals with the most efficiency possible.  The underlying assumption is that current programs and service levels will be maintained with new programs meeting City Council goals and priorities.  All estimates for existing programs and personnel and new programs are made by the operating departments in the summer and compiled to compare against the budget policies and goals.  The City Manager's Recommended Budget is compliled for public input and Council review.  Budget changes made by the Council are incorporated as the final budget is adopted after public input.

Capital Improvement/Project Budget

The City of Puyallup maintains a Capital Facilties Plan (CFP) which is reviewed and updated annually.  A summary is included in the budget document.

All capital improvements are identified in the capital facilities portion of the City's Comprehensive Plan.  The capital improvements in the annual budget must be identified in the Capital Facilities Plan and properly funded or the Comprehensive Plan must be amended.  This can only be done by the City Council in coordination with the budget process.  The identification of capital projects is initated by all departments, and the list of capital projects, after review by the City Manager, is presented to the City Council.  The Council reviews the list, holds public hearings, and makes adjustments as deemed necessary.  Approved and funded capital projects are then incorporated in the budget by fund.

Biennial Budget
The Biennial Budget shall specify annual allocations for total spending.  This means that while the budget is adopted as a biennial total, annual amounts will still be estimated to provide spending guidelines for each of the two years authorized.  This will provide for better control and help ensure prudent departmental spending.