HomeMy Public PortalAboutCity Council Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Policy GuidelinesWatertown's FY2012 Budget Policy Guidelines
Approved as Amended by the Town Council
December 7, 2010
The Town Council is adopting these budget policy guidelines pursuant to Section 5-1 of the Watertown
Home Rule Charter. Based on these guidelines, the Town Manager will develop budgetary goals and the
Town budget for Fiscal Year 2012.
I. FINANCIAL POLICIES
A. Unreserved fund balance: In order to respond to emergencies and other unanticipated needs,
preserve financial flexibility, and maintain favorable bond ratings, the Town should seek to
maintain an unreserved fund balance (including stabilization funds) equal to 7-10% of the
annual operating budget. The Council and the Town Manager will work to develop a formal
multi -year policy on the unreserved fund balance, including the use of free cash if the
unreserved fund balance is above the 7-10% target.
B. Capital Expenditures: In order to maintain and improve its infrastructure, facilities, and
equipment, the Town should seek to make annual capital expenditures (including debt and
exclusive of enterprise funds) equal to at least 7.5-8% of the operating budget.
C. Pension Liability and Other Post Employment Benefits: In order to achieve long term
financial stability and meet the Town's obligations to its employees and retirees, the Council,
the Retirement Board and Town Manager will work to address the Town's unfunded pension
liability and other post -employment benefits (OPEB). Establish dialog with Retirement
Board and State representatives to consider options for pension reforms for new hires.
IL ONGOING BUDGET PRACTICES
In preparing the budget for FYI and future years, the Town Manager should continue to use the
following budget practices.
A. Continue the Town's efforts within all departments to obtain grant funding from federal,
state, and other sources, including the use college interns.
B. Continue to analyze the Town's charges for licenses, permits, penalties, and fees to
determine whether they should be increased or new ones instituted, while adhering to the
principal that fees should not exceed the cost of services provided.
C. Review the possibilities and cost implications of contracted services vs. staffing in various
departments.
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D. Support the possibilities of providing more services on a regional or inter -municipal basis in
accordance with the council resolution.
E. All department heads should seek to identify line items within their existing budgets where
costs can be controlled and not increased. Look at other possible scenarios including
spending freezes, level dollar and reduction budgets. Review the use of overtime in each
department and establish consistent Town -wide policies.
F. Continue to enhance the Town's website and use other technologies as cost effective means
of delivering information and services, increasing public awareness, and encouraging public
feedback.
G. Explore cost savings by sharing personnel across Town departments. Work towards merging
or combining the following functions to better serve both Town and School Departments:
facilities management, human resources, finance, and information technology.
III. COST-SAVINGS/REVENUES
The Town Council believes that identification of cost savings and/or new revenues should be a
precondition to additional expenditures. To this end, in developing the FYI budget, the Town Manager
should:
A. Move forward with an Energy Services Company (ESCO) agreement to implement plan towards
reducing municipal baseline energy usage by 20% in 5 years. Obtain energy -related grants by
becoming certified under the Green Communities Act.
B. Public safety: Police, Fire and Dispatch together represent the Town's biggest expenditure after
education. Proceed with a Public Safety study to determine how to best deliver the level of
service citizens want, more efficiently.
C. Implement the Town -wide Economic Development Program (including the newly rezoned
Pleasant Street Corridor District), with a long- term goal to increase town revenue. The Program
should include a marketing plan to prospective developers as well as the use of state and federal
grants and redevelopment programs.
D. Explore the feasibility of a standardized system of impact fees for projects subject to site plan
review. Consider mitigation monies for larger scale projects.
E. Actively seek Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreements with each non-profit organization
owning property in Watertown.
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IV. PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS/EXPENDITURES
To the extent that resources allow, in light of the financial policies stated above, and adhering to the
principle of first identifying cost -savings and/or new revenue, the following program enhancements and,
if necessary, new expenditures should receive priority in the FY12 budget. Education program
enhancements and expenditures should be considered subsequently in light of the recommendations of
the School Committee.
A. Continue the improvement program for the Town's streets and sidewalks, including street trees
and planting strips. Pursue state/federal funding such as the Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) and School Safety Zone funding to improve traffic and safety.
B. Examine the staffing structure of the Public Works Department to improve the ability to perform
routine maintenance, complete work order requests in a timely manner, and strengthen the
capacity to supervise contractors.
C. Explore the need and possible funding for a social worker/community health outreach worker,
including reaching out to the private sector for funding.
D. Finalize non -municipal re -use of the former branch libraries, and explore the options for and
budget implications of re -use of the former police station.
E. Determine the need for and how to fund future sewer and storm water infrastructure
improvements.
F. Create a Comprehensive Plan for the Town dealing with a broad spectrum of issues, including
development, zoning, and transportation, in order to encourage Town government and its citizens
to work in concert towards common goals. Incorporate all previous resources, such as the
Economic Development Study, the Open Space Plan, the Pleasant Street Corridor District Study,
etc. Include traffic and transportation resources and improvements, and a review of the Zoning
Ordinance.
V. BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MONITORING
A. In order to improve its ability to monitor the implementation of the Town budget, the Town
Council will receive quarterly reports on the revenues and expenditures during the fiscal year.
B. The Town Council will receive a report on the use and balance of monies in the Council reserve
upon each transfer, and a report each month that there is a change in Council expense line items.
C. An early -warning system will be established to alert the Town Council if revenues fall below
projections.
D. The Town Council will receive quarterly updates on progress in addressing the recommendations
in the annual audit report.
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