City Budget Up for Vote Today

By Desiree Parker Thursday, May 13, 2010

Williamsburg city council members are slated to adopt the new 2011 budget at their meeting Thursday afternoon.

The 3.2 percent reduction in spending in the proposed budget will be made up through new pool and park fees, reductions in outside agencies, an increase in water and sewer fees, and the elimination of a few more staff positions. Read a detailed story on the budget proposal here.

Since the proposed budget was released, the city has made a few changes, including restoring $50,000 to the Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance. Tourism tax revenues have been on a steep decline over the last several years, and in the city’s budget message City Manager Jack Tuttle points out that though Williamsburg only collects about 38 percent of room tax revenues when compared to the total between the three Triangle localities, in the current fiscal year it will contribute 64 percent to tourism marketing.

Tuttle had recommended cutting the funding to the Alliance and changing the ratio of funding for the Alliance and Colonial Williamsburg, but some funding has since been added back to the budget the council will be voting on.

Other changes to the proposed budget include reduced funding for the jail of about $82,000, the addition of one police officer, and $500 for high speed rail. The city has also added back some additional funding expected from the state.

Council will also decide on an ordinance raising the water rate to $4.20 per 1,000 gallons, as is reflected in the proposed budget.

Read the budget online on the city’s website.

Council will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday in the Stryker building. Find the agenda and related materials here.

Other business
Council will also consider a water tank agreement for the Riverside property, which is needed for development to go forward. Riverside would bear the brunt of the cost for a tank, up to $1.6 million, and the city expects its share will be no more than $200,000.

Council will also hear an update on the focus group on a possible arts district in the city. Read more about their findings here.