Adopted Budget 2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . + Budget Message, Page 2 December 11, 2007 General Fund Under state law it is required that all municipalities such as Ramsey approve an annual general operating budget. In addition, Ramsey City Council passes budgets for its non-general fund enterprises including; the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Economic Development Authority (which is the development arm of the City), and all municipal utility operations (Enterprise Fund budgets). The budget process, subsequent financial audits, and supporting fmancial policies are of utmost importance to the operations of the City of Ramsey. As a result of stringent fiscal measures, Ramsey taxpayers have received significant financial benefit. The City's ability to efficiently deliver services is tied in large part to these financial measures as well as the productivity and commitment of its staff and the direction and leadership provided by the City Council. The 2008 budget continues programs and trends developed over the past several years. City Council will need to continue to monitor which services are to be maintained, increased or reduced in the future as the City continues to grow within an era of uncertainty. In Ramsey, the threat of limited future funds will require continued close City Council review of City priorities. The City will have to evaluate personnel needs, equipment needs, service demands, and public improvements for future years. The demands placed upon Ramsey by the public for fulfilling local needs will also increase in the future as the population continues to grow. The challenges for Ramsey are immense and the City has made appropriate fiscal plans to meet these challenges. Comments on individual cost centers in the General Fund are offered within the budget document. Some comments on general expenditure trends in different categories are offered below: Personal Services - This category represents approximately 67% of the 2008 General Fund Budget. The City anticipates spending $6,742,480 on General Fund personnel related expenditures in 2008. Sup-plies - This budget category represents approximately 7% of the total General Fund Budget for 2008. The City anticipates spending $734,558 on General Fund supply related expenditures in 2008. Services and Charges - This category represents approximately 21 % of the total 2008 General Fund Budget. Included are contractual services and other services and charges. Services and Charges are budgeted at $2,139,164 for 2008. Capital Outlay - This budget category calls for $392,200 in expenditures in 2008. This represents approximately 4% of the total General Fund Budget expenditures.