Laserfiche WebLink
Budget Message, Page 2 • <br />December 8, 2009 <br />General Fuud <br />Under state law it is required that all municipalities such as Ramsey approve an annual general <br />operating budget. In addition, Ramsey City Council passes budgets for its non-general fund <br />enterprises including; the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the Economic Development <br />Authority (which is the development arm of the City), and all municipal utility operations <br />(Enterprise Fund budgets). <br />The budget process, subsequent financial audits, and supporting financial policies aze of utmost <br />importance to the operations of the City of Ramsey. As a result of stringent fiscal measures, <br />Ramsey taxpayers have received. significant financial benefit. The City's ability to efficiently <br />deliver services is tied in lazge part to these financial. measures as well as the productivity and <br />commitment of its staff and the direction. and leadership provided by the City Council. The 2010 <br />budget continues programs and trends developed over the past several years. City Council will <br />need to continue to monitor which services are to be maintained, increased or reduced in the <br />future as the City continues to grow within an era of uncertainty. <br />In Ramsey; the threat of limited future funds will require continued close City Council review of <br />City priorities. The City will have to evaluate personnel needs, equipment needs, service • <br />demands, and public improvements for future years. The demands placed upon Ramsey by the <br />public for fulfilling local needs will also increase in the future as the population continues to <br />grow. The challenges for Ramsey aze immense and the City has made appropriate fiscal plans to <br />meet these challenges. <br />Comments on individual cost centers in the General Fund aze offered within the budget <br />document. Some comments on general expenditure trends in different categories are offered <br />below: <br />Personal Services -This category represents approximately 68% of the 2010 General Fund <br />Budget. The City anticipates .spending $6,559;765 on .General Fund personnel related <br />expenditures in 2010. <br />Supplies -This budget category represents approximately 7% of the total General Fund Budget <br />for 2010. The City anticipates spending $710,022 on General Fund supply related expenditures in <br />2010. <br />Services and Chazees -This category represents approxirately 20% of the total 2010 General <br />Fund Budget.. Included are contractual services and other services and chazges. Services and <br />Chazges aze budgeted at $1,950,757 for 2010. <br />Capital Outlav -This budget category calls for $224,850 in expenditures in 2010. This • <br />represents approximately 2% of the total General Fund Budget expenditures. <br />