1996 Adopted Program of Municipal Services & Capital Improvements for Fiscal Year 1996

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Budget Message, Page 3 December 12, 1995 Supplies - This budget category represents 5.37% of the total General Fund Budget for 1996 compared to 4.95% in 1995. Actual dollar expenditures for supplies have increased by $30,350 over the adopted 1995 budget to $189,095. Services and Charges - This category represents 21.31% of the total 1996 General Fund Budget. Included are contractual services and other services and charges. Services and Charges are budgeted at $750,495 for 1996, an increase of $119,752 over 1995 adopted, which is primarily attributable to the increase in cost of the annual street maintenance pr?gram and an increased contingency in the General Fund for 1996. Capital Outlay - This budget category calls for $253,510 in expenditures in 1996. This represents 7.20% of the total General Fund Budget expenditures and will be offset by a $77,427 revenue transfer from the Equipment Replacement Fund. This is a decrease of $93,369 over the 1995 adopted budget and includes the purchase of a replacement articulated loader with snow plow and wing, a 3/4 ton pick-up with snow plow, funding for modular workstations and remodeling at the Municipal Center, and numerous smaller equipment items. Summary The 1996 budget continues the past trend of financially conservative budgeting, yet provides for increases in the level of services to the citizens of Ramsey. The City Council will need to continue to monitor which services are to be maintained, increased or reduced in future years. The financial health of the City is sound; Moody's Investor's Service upgraded the bond rating for the City to "AI" for bonds sold in October 1993. This was a direct result of sound fiscal management and long term, well documented fmancing plans delivered by the Council. As has been, and will always be, the City's ability to deliver services is closely tied to the financial position of the State and actions taken by the Legislature. I would like to extend my appreciation to the entire staff for their contributions during the 1996 budget process. Special thanks and recognition should go to Finance Officer Jessie Hart, Senior Accountant Diana Lund and the staff of the Finance Department. Yours truly, ~ Ryan Schroeder City Administrator xiii