Complete Document - City of Auburn

Budget Message (continued) May 28, 2002ConclusionI believe that the proposed biennial budget addresses the priorities of the CityCouncil and meets the needs of the departments. Of course, it does not address every needthat everyone wants the City to fund; but it will result in two solid years of achievement for theAuburn City government. School funding will increase substantially from the General Fund.The $1 million appropriated each year for street maintenance and the funding for the othermajor transportation projects will continue the City’s strong effort to have an excellent street,sidewalk, and bikeway network. The pay raises for employees will help them provide a highquality of life for their families and maintain the City’s position as a competitive employer in avery tight labor market.The budget document also includes proposed long range goals, mission statementsand annual goals for each department; revenue projections and proposed expenditures forthe General Fund, the Sewer Fund, and all the other budgeted funds of the City, includinganalyses by category and function; overviews of revenue and debt; data on the number ofauthorized personnel; and the capital improvements program.I want to express my appreciation to the department heads for their excellent workon the budget this year and every year. I especially appreciate the work of Finance DirectorAndrea Jackson, Assistant City Manager Wendy Hassett, Assistant Finance DirectorsKimberly Byrd and Thomas Howard and the other members of the Finance staff that haveworked on the budget this year, Human Resources Director Steve Reeves and his staff, and,of course, the department heads. Their fine work has resulted in a solid proposed budgetthat allows the Council to make well-informed decisions.Sincerely,Douglas J. WatsonCity Manager33