CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council conducted its midyear budget review Thursday, making adjustments that included the designation of up to $10,000 for needed repairs at the city's skatepark, which was closed last week for safety reasons.
Chris Becnel, city finance director, provided a summary for the council concluding that $125,459 remains unallocated following staff's recommended adjustments. The total reflects that Becnel reported prior to the designation of funds for skatepark repairs.
Becnel said adjustments for revenue and expenditures before midyear spending adjustments total $428,000 to the positive, which are attributed to unanticipated revenues received and lower spending than projected.
According to Becnel, the city received a total of $243,000 in unanticipated revenues, which included a settlement from a property tax administration fee, and reimbursements through Workers' Compensation and the city's liability insurance.
Becnel included in his report revenues, either higher or lower than anticipated, that potentially exceeded $5,000.
Of the most significance, he said, are Highway User Tax Account, or gas tax, funds. He said while gas tax revenues may be about $50,000 more than anticipated in the current, an estimated $100,000 decrease is projected next fiscal year, mainly because of advances in technology and energy efficiency.
Unanticipated costs to the city include $27,000 for attorney fees and $10,000 for police training not reimbursed through the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST.
However, Becnel said the budgeted amount for animal control services contracted through the SPCA of Clear Lake, which was based on the previous year's amount, is overstated by $42,000.
Along with a projected savings of $168,000 compared to those budgeted for police expenses through the remainder of the fiscal year, Becnel calculated these items to a net savings of $173,000.
The council approved spending adjustments, as recommended, to the total of $302,541 as follows:
– $54,500 for updating computers in the police department and administration. Becnel said this will essentially complete the updating of all the city's computers.
– $82,000 for the two new police vehicles. Police Chief Craig Clausen said the amount includes costs to fully equip each vehicle.
– $38,000 for police recruiting, which is set aside to send recruits to the police academy. Clausen said he is working with City Attorney Ryan Jones to develop strategies for increasing the officer retention rate in the department.
– $55,741 for code enforcement for April through June.
– $10,000 for police training not reimbursed through POST.
– $12,300 for animal control expenses not budgeted.
– $50,000 to the Economic Uncertainty Reserve. Becnel said while this is not an actual expense, the city should not pass up an opportunity to add to the reserve when it presents itself.
Becnel recommended the $125,459 remaining in unallocated funds after budget adjustments be set aside for any other unanticipated costs the city may encounter.
Councilman Bruno Sabatier opened the discussion concerning the immediate need for repairs at the skatepark, which was scheduled to be closed the following morning.
Sabatier emphasized the necessity to maintain its operation, less the detriment of the city's youth, especially in light of the approaching summer.
Public Works Director Doug Herren was present and indicated ability to repair the facility at an expense of no more than $10,000.
Previous projects to repair the skatepark, historically in the city, have included volunteers from the community.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the current project should contact city hall at 707-994-8201.
Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Clearlake City Council reviews budget at midyear point; city fiscal condition appears good
- Denise Rockenstein
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