Letter: City in the Black

Editor, The Friday Flyer:

On February 3, 2016, the City Council Meeting had some good news for Canyon Lake residents. The mid-year adjustment of the budget was presented by Terry Shea, the City’s financial consultant. Instead of a projected deficit of $300,000, the City is in the black with $200,000. This is a gain of $500,000 in revenue just in the first six months. The fiscal year is July 1 to June 30. It is the first time the City has been in the black since 2007-2008.

In November 2014, citizens passed the Utility User Tax (UUT) by a narrow margin. Putting the measure on the ballot was a difficult decision by the 2013-2014 City Council, and required courage to face the electorate. The consultant for the measure was very conservative in projecting revenues at $760,000.

That was close to the amount needed to close the gap for the fire contract, although the measure was not specifically earmarked only for that purpose, as the law required. Currently, it looks like revenues from the Utility Tax will be close to $975,000 for the fiscal year. The tax will sunset in 2020.

As members of the 2013-2014 Council, we want to thank the citizens for passing the tax and literally saving the City. During the February 3rd meeting, the 2015-2016 Council celebrated the good news, but did not give credit to the tax, nor the residents who are paying it. We wanted to set the record straight.

Randy Bonner, Mayor 2013-2014

Mary Craton, Council Member

Nancy Horton Council Member




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