Imagine that you have $100 to spend to achieve the results above. Where would you invest your money? You can allocate your $100 in any way, but your total must always equal $100. Fill out the online worksheet.

Sales and Use Tax

The City is projecting decreases in both our sales and use tax collections this year and does not expect this to turn around quickly. As of the first quarter of 2009, sales tax decreased 3.5% compared to last year and use tax is 17.5% lower. Sales and use taxes make up 60% of the City’s general fund revenue.

Transportation Funding

The City of Fort Collins relies heavily on outside funding sources to pay for transportation services such as bicycle programs, road and intersection improvements, and traffic light timing programs. Funding from sources such as federal grants, Colorado Mitigation and Air Quality grants, and the Colorado Department of Transportation is decreasing and more difficult to obtain.

Development Review-Related Revenue

Revenue generated from the variety of fees, charges, and taxes related to development have declined by roughly $1 million compared to last year. Due to the current financial climate, this trend is expected to continue.

Considering all of these factors, we are anticipating that City revenues will experience little to no growth in the next two years.

Efficiencies

To address these revenue shortages, the City has implemented short-term solutions and is evaluating ways to address long-term funding needs. At the beginning of the year, we implemented a hiring freeze on all but essential positions (approximately 60) and will eliminate the majority of these in the 2010-2011 Budget. This summer, we will eliminate a few additional positions in Transportation and Development Review. We’re continuing the programs that are producing cost-savings including energy efficiency efforts that save money on utility bills and the employee wellness program which mitigate health care costs. We’re delaying major expenditures, and we’re aggressively searching for additional efficiencies.

Despite these efforts, City services will be impacted. We’re going to be facing some very difficult choices for the 2010-2011 Budget and we need citizen input on what services this community wants and needs, and what services we are willing to pay for.

Give Your Feedback

The City Budget serves as a blueprint for the type and mix of services the City provides. The City uses a process called Budgeting for Outcomes, which focuses on the needs and desires of citizens. The first step is to evaluate overall community goals and priorities. This started with our citizen survey last fall. City Council established seven community goals at their retreat in May. And now we need your input. Complete the “How Would You Fund Community Goals?” online worksheet and mark your calendar for other opportunities to get involved.

Budget Timeline

• Citizen input on community priorities: now through mid-June
• City staff proposes services to accomplish community priorities: June-August
• City Manager presents Recommended Budget: September 7
• Budget Public Outreach: September
• City Council Work Sessions: September
• City Council Adopts Budget: October 6 and 20

For more information and to follow the budget process online, visit fcgov.com/budget.