Polson officials expect increase in new budget

Polson City Commissioners accepted the 2017-18 budget, which was submitted to State officials last week, and a projected surplus is expected.

Officials are expecting an increase in nearly half a million dollars in the general fund, according to Cindy Dooley, finance officer for the city.

Through email, she confirmed that revenue budgeted for the fiscal year 2018, in the general fund is $3,091,745, against $2,595,891 for 2017, making an increase of $495,854.

The largest source of revenue for the city is tax revenue, with the total for fiscal year 2018 resulting in $1,440,293, Dooley confirmed via email.

That figure is an increase of $37,469 from the previous year, due to property and motor vehicle taxes.

“This consists of $29,999 in property tax increases due to inflation and newly taxable property and penalty and interest decrease of $500” as well as an increase in the motor vehicle local option tax of $7,970, based on revenue that was received last year, Dooley said.

Federal and state monies are also expected to help the city save money.

“Revenue increases for (fiscal year 2018) are mainly due to grant revenues that we are anticipating on receiving,” Dooley said.

Those grants include: an Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant for $192,830; Montana Air and Congestion Initiative Grant for $155,872; and a Northwest Farm Credit grant for $1,000.

Wages and benefits are anticipated to be the largest expenditure for the city, with a total of $1,923,086 for fiscal year 2018, which is an increase of $139,962, Dooley noted.

In the upcoming fiscal year, Dooley said that the expenditure budget is $3,217,767,

The expenditure increase, she explained, is due to a 2 percent increase in wages, 23 percent increase in health insurance costs over the prior year actual numbers and increases for retirement benefits.

“In addition one new position is being added-Code Enforcement Officer,” Dooley said, as well as a fully staff at the Polson Police Department with the addition of three new officers following the completion of state-mandated training.

Budget reports through fiscal year 2017 can be viewed at www.cityofpolson.com/administration-finance/.