FY2014 Recommended Budget - City of Surprise

o The quarterly magazine, Progress
o Event planning and management such as ground breaking and ribbon cutting
ceremonies, news conferences, and other special events
o The creation (design, writing, and printing) of brochures, programs, fliers, maps, logos,
informational signage, advertising, and other public relations collateral
o The photography required to execute these functions
Strategically coordinates the communications needs of individual city departments, provides
material support, promotion, and publicity of programs, events, and activities
Strategically coordinates employee communication and facilitates employee participation so that
city employees are informed and engaged
Liaison to the Mayor, Council, and the City Manager’s office on legislative issues at the local,
state and federal level
Monitor and discuss state and federal legislation impacting the city
Strengthen relationships and partnerships with major regional public policy organizations
Seek funding opportunities through grants and federal appropriations
Monitor grants contractual obligations to ensure compliance
Strengthen relationships and partnerships with local municipalities, non-profits, and private
organizations through coordinated efforts that maximize resources and funding leverage
Divisions
Administration - responsible for ensuring operations are running effectively throughout
the entire organization and focuses on funding programs to achieve the
Mayor and Council’s goals through strategic planning, process
improvement assessments, and improving internal and external
customer service.
Marketing and Communications - engage and inform Surprise residents on activities and issues; achieve
a positive image of Surprise as a responsive, open government, and a
community of connection and opportunity; promote the advancement of
the city of Surprise Strategic Plan; assist and advise city departments
and management in their communication needs; and supervise internal
employee communications.
Intergovernmental Relations - develop, represent, and advocate the interests of the city of Surprise by
fostering and maintaining the city’s relationships with other
governmental entities and the community organizations.
Major Budget Changes
The FY2014 budget is 10% higher than the FY2013 amended budget.
Personnel expenditures increased overall by 14%. This increase was impacted by a 3% increase in the
employer contribution for the Arizona State Retirement System and a 2.2% increase for a cost of living
adjustment. In addition, the city auditor position was moved from the Finance Department. FY2014
includes a nominal increase in part-time salaries to accommodate an increased need in the Marketing
and Communications Division. Deferred compensation was decreased to more accurately reflect the
actual expenditures.
A senior communications specialist position was added to develop communications outreach and
coordinate media appearances/interviews on behalf of the Mayor and Council. In addition, the position will
prepare and issue news releases and public statements by the Mayor and individual council members,
and coordinate media contacts.
Services decreased by 1% overall. This was due to a reduction in the planned expenditures related to the
shared federal lobbyist contract for Luke Air Force Base. The decrease was partially offset by an increase
in funding for lobbying consultant contracts.
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