Summer is coming to an end but that doesn’t mean projects and other programs cease in Osage Beach. Several City events are still to come – Movie in the Park, the Osage Beach City-wide Rummage Sale, Osage Beach Fall Festival, and the Holiday Lights are upcoming events. City crews have several projects underway such as a few park improvements including bleacher replacements, the Mace Road Phase I Reconstruction, the cleaning and painting of the Columbia College Water Tower, and the sealing of Nichols Road and Barry Prewitt Road, just to name a few.
For City staff and the Board of Aldermen, this time of year is budget time! The City’s budget document is one of the most important documents adopted as it repurposes our tax dollars and other revenues collected by the City and is based on the overall strategic plan outlined by the City’s leaders. It is a legal, binding document administered by the Mayor and City Administrator. The City’s fiscal year mirrors the calendar year and per State statute, for expenditures to be legally made beginning January 1 for FY2019, a balanced budget must be adopted by the Board of Aldermen by December 31st.
Staff will present to the Board of Aldermen a draft FY2019 Operating Budget in October and budget workshops will be held on the following dates at the Osage Beach City Hall Boardroom:
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Monday, October 29, 6 PM
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Tuesday, October 30, 6 PM
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Tuesday, November 6, 6 PM
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Thursday, November 8, 6 PM
Budget workshops are open to the public and the community is welcomed! The purpose of the workshops is to provide a time for City staff, Mayor, and Board of Aldermen to review and discuss the draft budget and for the Board of Aldermen to make changes, if needed, in preparation for adoption in December. A final draft is prepared by early December with the first reading for approval, preceded by a public hearing, held at the first meeting in December and the second (final) reading held at the second meeting in December.
We want citizen’s input! There are many ways to contribute your thoughts and suggestions on the City’s FY2019 Operating Budget; these include requesting a copy of the draft when available and contact City staff or your Alderman with questions or comments; attend a budget workshop; or participate in the public hearing, just to name a few. The community is always encouraged to follow us on Facebook and regularly check our website for updates on all our activities. The website also offers ways to get notified on important topics such as new announcements, bid openings, employment opportunities, etc.
The FY2018 Operating Budget for all funds is $28.6 million. To date we have expended 56% of our budgeted expenditures and collected 63% of revenues for all funds. Sales Tax revenue represents a majority of the City’s revenue source, 57% projected in the FY2018 overall budget, with Fees & Service Charges coming in second, at 35%. The year-to-date Sales Tax receipts through August are $50,115 (1.7%) less than 2017 receipts for the same period and $55,234 (1.9%) less that projected in the FY2018 Budget.
My office is committed to effectively managing the day to day operations and to the responsible administration of our budget. However, this would not be possible without all the experienced and dedicated employees of the City and the direction of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. We are dedicated to being good stewards of our community and will continue to operate efficiently to deliver superior municipal services to our citizens and visitors. Your comments and suggestions are of value! Please do not hesitate to contact me.
