As I write this post I’m convinced that voting in favor of the budget as presented by the Mayor is not in the best interest of North Platte. The revenue projections and the expenses based on those projections put the city in a vulnerable position. Two simple events winter characterized with even moderate snowfall or a drop in sales tax revenue would put the city in an untenable position for 2009 – 2010. Not to mention the long-term results of inadequate revenue compounding under funded contingency fund sets us up for deep cuts for the 2010 – 2011 budget year. There was enough time to make structural changes in the budget proposal. During the four meetings on the budget many workable options were discussed.

We have one more opportunity to address the budget. The Council will conduct a public hearing on the budget on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 during its meeting. People will have the opportunity to address the Council on the budget then. If you have concerns or would like to comment about the budget I want to invite you to post a comment here, send me an e-mail (npward3@gmail.com) and or attend the Council meeting.

Here are the proposed lists of the General Fund Expenditures for 2009-2010 and the General Fund Revenue for 2009 – 2010. (Posted as pdf files)