2008-09 Final Budget - City of St. George

Sales tax is the largest source of revenue in the General Fund. Of the 6.25% sales
tax rate for Washington County, 1% represents the City’s share. Sales taxes
account for approximately 34% of total General Fund revenues. This revenue has
averaged increases of 15.62% annually over the past three years but 2007-2008
saw a 0% growth rate. Revenue from this source is projected to be $15,600,000 for
this current year with that same amount for 2008-2009.
Franchise taxes are generated from a 6% charge on gross receipts for utilities,
including natural gas, cable services, and electricity. Also, a 4% fee is charged on
gross receipts from telecommunication service provided in the City. We estimate
2007-2008 totals to be $6,100,000 and have used $6,200,000 for next year’s
projection from this source.
Licenses and permits are comprised of business licenses, rental ordinance fees,
building permits, and dog licenses. This category accounts for approximately 4% of
total General Fund revenues. The largest source in this group is building permit
fees. Estimates for revenue from building permits is $1,200,000 down from actual
revenues of $2,533,000 in 2006-2007. This revenue category has been decreased
by 44% from 2007-2008 budgeted totals.
Intergovernmental consists of federal grants, state grants, Class C road funds,
liquor funds, airport revenue and contributions for resource officers. The estimate
for 2007-2008 is $4,199,798 or 9% of General Fund revenues. The major source in
this category is Class C road funds at $2,370,000 or about the same amount we
anticipated for this year. With the high cost for gas, total revenues from the gas tax
on the State level could see a decrease.
The following is a breakdown of the recommended General Fund revenue for 2008-
2009:
2007 ACTUAL 2008 ESTIMATED 2009 ESTIMATED
Taxes $28,352,697 $29,100,000 $29,400,000
Licenses & Permits $3,190,123 $2,167,700 $1,867,700
Intergovernmental $3,764,980 $3,587,877 $4,199,798
Charge for Service $3,463,545 $3,439,440 $3,436,546
Fines & Forfeitures $1,017,869 $787,250 $792,250
Other Revenue $5,192,339 $5,642,684 $5,533,084
TOTAL REVENUE $44,981,553 $44,724,951 $45,229,378
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES:
This budget reflects concerns about the local, state and national economy.
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