Budget Document - City of Urbandale

system updated in 2008, and the required publication of City Council proceedings. The
budget increase includes a City Council election in 2011.
Technology – The FY2011-12 budget provides for network updates, including the
replacement of servers and switches, document imaging, warranty renewals, and
maintenance support. The separate Technology Fund provides for one-time capital items
with City-wide benefits, which in FY2011-12 will include replacement servers, an upgrade to
the Microsoft Office 2010, and a redundant network firewall.
Human Resources – This department was established in FY2009-10, and coordinates the
recruitment and hiring process for all vacant City positions, including Civil Service positions;
develops and implements policies; investigate department specific concerns; and
implements programs to increase organizational capacity. The FY2011-12 budget provides
for a part-time HR generalist position, with associated computer and professional
development funds allocated for the position. The budget also provides for a non-union pay
compensation study to be conducted by an external consultant, and includes new training
initiatives for City wide core skills training and training videos. The separate General Liability
Fund provides funding for the City-wide safety program, which will include the consultant
safety officer, safety training conferences, and the employee safety goals program.
Legal Services – The Legal Services activity anticipates an increase in the annual retainer
for the City Attorney, while maintaining the billable hour at $95 as approved in FY2010-11.
Other legal services funded by this budget include the professional services of bond and
labor attorneys. An additional $8,000 was allocated to this department to handle union
negotiations for the two union contracts that expire in FY2011-12.
General Support –The General Support activity also funds 100% of the City’s property and
casualty insurance program. The budget also provides for the debt service payments
associated with the Engineering/ Community Development Office Building, Administrative
Office Building and Police Station Expansion projects.
Debt Service – The Debt Service program anticipates the sale of $6,610,000, in general
obligation bonds for various capital improvement projects during 2011 construction season.
These improvements include all 2011 projects identified through the 2011-2016 Capital
Improvements Program that was adopted in December 2010. The Debt Service levy will be
set at $2.15/$1000 in order to fund the City’s debt service expenditures.
Capital Projects – This section is included in the Budget Summaries tab of this document to
capture the activity of the Capital Projects fund. This activity is a reflection of planned
expenditures for projects funded through the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), as well
as continuation and completion of open projects resulting from prior CIP recommendations.
Conclusion
The City of Urbandale continues to face a number of issues that present both challenges
and opportunities in the next several years. As the nation continues to recover from one of
the most serve economic recessions in history, there remains a great deal of uncertainty
surrounding many of the traditional economic indicators. The housing industry continues to
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