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Emphasis has also been placed on ensuring that, where possible, those parties receiving a unique benefit from city services cover the cost of that benefit. As a result, all staff time spent on development activities is billed to the development rather than being supported by the taxpayers. In 2000, a storm water utility program was enacted to correct drainage problems throughout the City. Benefitted properties are billed directly, which reduces costs to persons who would otherwise have to pay for the service if the expense was covered by tax dollars. The City, in an effort to take advantage of existing systems and services provided by local companies, has entered into an agreement for use of its utility billing system with a local company (Connexus Energy). Their existing billing application allows them to bill for city utilities. This program allows the City the opportunity to not invest in additional equipment and personnel that would duplicate a service that is currently being provided in the private sector. Connexus Energy sees benefit by a fuller utilization of their in -house billing system. The City continues to look for ways such as this to operate in a more efficient manner. At the same time, the City is constantly looking for ways to keep organizational operating costs down. Technology improvements have been a major focus with a complete computer upgrade. Maintenance operations have also been improved by utilization of equipment built to reduce the time necessary to conduct tasks such as turf maintenance. Our staffmg, mentioned earlier, does not include large complements of people for emergency events such as large snowfalls. Rather, the City has a number of people "on- call" who are available should the need arise, but are not on the payroll for the remainder of the year. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING During 2003, there were. 454 permits issued for new home construction with a total of 2,152 permits issued (includes wells, decks, additions, commercial buildings, etc.). The total value of permits issued the past five years has been: 2003 $70,906,900 2002 $31,258,025 2001 $19,696,900 2000 $22,559,900 1999 $23,656,560 As a result of the recent building activity, the expected growth of the community through the year 2004 is anticipated to be as follows: 1990 Census 3,641 12,408 2000 Census 5,960 18,510 2003 City staff projection 6,613 20,800 2004 City staff projection 7,213 22,320 The preceeding projections will be adjusted periodically and will vary depending on changes in the economy and City Council decisions. In terms of commercial and industrial development, the City issued eight building permits for commercial or industrial construction projects valued at $4,924,072. In 2003, the City approved development of a total of 97,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space. The City re- subdivided Sunfish Lake Business Park in order to respond to the 1 -2 acre lot demand. vii Households Population