Next month the Joshua City Council will vote on the 2011-2012 budget and tax rate for the city. I'm happy to report that we will be maintaining the current tax rate even though property values decreased slightly again this year. City staff did a good job trimming the budget again to meet the lower projected revenues and I'm satisfied with what we'll be able to accomplish next year in expenditures. A couple of much needed vehicle replacements are on tap along with some repairs to the police department for security. Modest merit pay increases will be available for those who earned it, but we cut back slightly on allowable vacation accumulation and holidays. The city's financial position overall is good. We'll increase operating reserves slightly this year, maintain a solid credit rating and manage an acceptable level of debt getting things done that enhance our community.
I'm disappointed that we saw no citizens attend our budget hearings and had no public input. Most people prefer to complain after the fact and I'll still listen, but my answer to most will be to get a copy of the budget, mark it up and bring it back next summer when we start the process again. I continue to be on the lookout for good ideas.
A.J.
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