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LOCAL NEWS

Vote was 3-1

S'side OKs $4.8-million budget

SUNNYSIDE (Monday, 12-20-99)---The Sunnyside City Council last night approved the city's $4.8-million budget for 2000, with an expected deficit of $210,990 between predicted income revenues and possible spending.

The city's preliminary budget showed a $568,000 shortfall, which was decreased by budget cuts and moving dollars from one fund to another.

Sunnyside may lose as much as $200,000 as a result of voter-approved I-695. The tax-revolt initiative cut the motor vehicle excise tax from 2.2 percent of a vehicle's value to $30--and thus cut state dollar distribution to cities and counties.

Councilman Errol Brown said the council got the budget to work by moving numbers around. "We've come out with a realistic set of numbers," he said.

City leaders believe serendipity revenue sources and frugal spending next year will help keep the on-paper deficit from actually occurring, and allow additions to the city's current $1.4 million reserve fund.

Councilman Mike Farmer voted against budget approval, since $45,000 for a new police officer to monitor Sunnyside Schools depends on voter approval next February of the district's levy.

"That was my biggest concern. There were other, smaller concerns as well," Farmer said after the meeting.

Councilman Don Vlieger was not present at last night's meeting.

City staff and councilmen worked long hours on the 2000 budget, including several public meetings the public was urged to attend. Press coverage of budget talks was steady and detailed as well.

Mayor Ed Prilucik noted there was no public comment on the budget at last night's public hearing.

Councilman Chad Werkhoven said that, "When we budget, we do so conservatively--we plan for worst-case scenarios (low revenue income, high expenses). We've been able in the past to get around deficits and put cash in the bank. That's why I feel reasonably comfortable passing a budget in the red."

"There are some revenue opportunities out there. It's important we strive for these opportunities," Werkhoven said.

Opportunities include bringing new businesses to town, and annexations which increase the town's tax base.

In other business, the council:

Amended the 1999 budget to reflect actual revenue and spending over the past year. Figures showed a decrease in expected ending-fund balances. During 1999, the city spent $115,000 less in current expenses than budgeted last December. Nevertheless, the city overspent in the budgeted street fund by $65,000; arterial street fund, $70,000, investigative fund, $5,000; tourism expansion fund, $9,000; water enterprise, $75,000; garbage, $30,000, and ambulance fund, $71,000, for a total $325,000. Figures also indicate law enforcement spent $151,000 over budget, the airport, $15,000; legal services, $10,700; personnel services, $12,000, unemployment, $6,000; and culture & recreation, $10,500.

Approved earlier proposed hikes in users fees for Parks & Recreation programs.

Approved hikes averaging 17% in city government ambulance rates for both city and non-city residents. Basic life support services will go from $240 to $264 for in-city residents, and from $456 to $502 for non-city residents. Advanced life support rates go from $268 to $340 for in-city, and $474 to $566 non- city. Ambulance trips to the nursing home will go from $268 to $294. Return trips will go from $211 to $232 for city residents, with $268 to $294 for non-city. Return trips to nursing homes will go from $211 to $232. "Competition" for city ambulance services are private-for-profit ambulance companies.

Held over for next year an ordinance to hike dog license and fees, revise registration requirements, and provide incentives to spay or neuter dogs. Cats aren't included. When police officers interview stray cats, "We just hope they're honest" in stating whether they've been spayed or neutered, said tongue-in-cheek Police Chief Ed Radder.

Approved a closeout performance report on a $125,000, FY 1998 grant from the state Dept. of Trade and Economic Development to the Washington Assn. of Minority Entrepreneurs. From here on, Yakima County will administer WAME loan funds.

Approved interlocal agreements with Prosser, Richland, West Richland and the city of Yakima for reciprocal housing of each others' prisoners.

Received a report on Sunnyside's Emergency Management Plan, as the city coordinates with other Valley towns and the county during natural or man-made disasters. The plan is mandated by federal decree and mimicked by WA state. It sets up a local "control center" on the second floor of the Fire District #5 office. If Hillary-Billary declare martial law, rejoice. Sunnyside's ready to help them implement it.

Approved an agreement for tourism services with the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce.

Went into executive session to discuss applicants for city employment. The city wants to hire a new city manager. The agreed upon hiring routine doesn't allow those in-the-know to confirm or deny whether one of those candidates is Dave Fonfara, currently director of Sunnyside Inc. Mum's the word.

Vote was 3-1 S'side OKs $4.8-million budget SUNNYSIDE (Monday, 12-20-99)---The Sunnyside City Council last night approved the city's $4.8-million budget for 2000, with an expected deficit of $210,990 between predicted income revenues and possible spending. The city's preliminary budget showed a $568,000 shortfall, which was decreased by budget cuts and moving dollars from one fund to another. Sunnyside may lose as much as $200,000 as a result of voter-approved I-695. The tax-revolt initiative cut the motor vehicle excise tax from 2.2 percent of a vehicle's value to $30--and thus cut state dollar distribution to cities and counties. Councilman Errol Brown said the council got the budget to work by moving numbers around. "We've come out with a realistic set of numbers," he said. City leaders believe serendipity revenue sources and frugal spending next year will help keep the on-paper deficit from actually occurring, and allow additions to the city's current $1.4 million reserve fund. Councilman Mike Farmer voted against budget approval, since $45,000 for a new police officer to monitor Sunnyside Schools depends on voter approval next February of the district's levy. "That was my biggest concern. There were other, smaller concerns as well," Farmer said after the meeting. Councilman Don Vlieger was not present at last night's meeting. City staff and councilmen worked long hours on the 2000 budget, including several public meetings the public was urged to attend. Press coverage of budget talks was steady and detailed as well. Mayor Ed Prilucik noted there was no public comment on the budget at last night's public hearing. Councilman Chad Werkhoven said that, "When we budget, we do so conservatively--we plan for worst-case scenarios (low revenue income, high expenses). We've been able in the past to get around deficits and put cash in the bank. That's why I feel reasonably comfortable passing a budget in the red." "There are some revenue opportunities out there. It's important we strive for these opportunities," Werkhoven said. Opportunities include bringing new businesses to town, and annexations which increase the town's tax base. In other business, the council: Amended the 1999 budget to reflect actual revenue and spending over the past year. Figures showed a decrease in expected ending-fund balances. During 1999, the city spent $115,000 less in current expenses than budgeted last December. Nevertheless, the city overspent in the budgeted street fund by $65,000; arterial street fund, $70,000, investigative fund, $5,000; tourism expansion fund, $9,000; water enterprise, $75,000; garbage, $30,000, and ambulance fund, $71,000, for a total $325,000. Figures also indicate law enforcement spent $151,000 over budget, the airport, $15,000; legal services, $10,700; personnel services, $12,000, unemployment, $6,000; and culture & recreation, $10,500. Approved earlier proposed hikes in users fees for Parks & Recreation programs. Approved hikes averaging 17% in city government ambulance rates for both city and non-city residents. Basic life support services will go from $240 to $264 for in-city residents, and from $456 to $502 for non-city residents. Advanced life support rates go from $268 to $340 for in-city, and $474 to $566 non- city. Ambulance trips to the nursing home will go from $268 to $294. Return trips will go from $211 to $232 for city residents, with $268 to $294 for non-city. Return trips to nursing homes will go from $211 to $232. "Competition" for city ambulance services are private-for-profit ambulance companies. Held over for next year an ordinance to hike dog license and fees, revise registration requirements, and provide incentives to spay or neuter dogs. Cats aren't included. When police officers interview stray cats, "We just hope they're honest" in stating whether they've been spayed or neutered, said tongue-in-cheek Police Chief Ed Radder. Approved a closeout performance report on a $125,000, FY 1998 grant from the state Dept. of Trade and Economic Development to the Washington Assn. of Minority Entrepreneurs. From here on, Yakima County will administer WAME loan funds. Approved interlocal agreements with Prosser, Richland, West Richland and the city of Yakima for reciprocal housing of each others' prisoners. Received a report on Sunnyside's Emergency Management Plan, as the city coordinates with other Valley towns and the county during natural or man-made disasters. The plan is mandated by federal decree and mimicked by WA state. It sets up a local "control center" on the second floor of the Fire District #5 office. If Hillary-Billary declare martial law, rejoice. Sunnyside's ready to help them implement it. Approved an agreement for tourism services with the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce. Went into executive session to discuss applicants for city employment. The city wants to hire a new city manager. The agreed upon hiring routine doesn't allow those in-the-know to confirm or deny whether one of those candidates is Dave Fonfara, currently director of Sunnyside Inc. Mum's the word.