City budgets lower than last year

The tentative budget for the city of Mountain Home shows a decrease of $348,885 compared to the current year. The city is proposing a budget of $10,470,852 for fiscal year 2003. City treasurer Leanna Taylor explained the decrease is due in large part to the fact that in 2002 several large capital improvements in the water system were using monies that were built over time.

Seventy-five percent of the budget is funded through fees, state revenue sharing, sales tax apportionment, highway (gas tax) dollars, franchise fees and grants. The remaining 25 percent is funded through property taxes.

"The city's tax levy declined last year because the budget was spread over higher assessed values city-wide," said Taylor. "It could decrease again in FY 03.

"Unfortunately, for many residents, even though the city's levy rate is lower, a higher assessed property value could mean a higher tax bill. For some the bill may be lower or stay the same, depending on their property's valuation."

She pointed out that citizens should be aware the tax notice estimates were based on last year's levy. "Hopefully, a reduction in the current city levy will lower city taxes from that estimate."

Fiscal year 2003 will see five major projects wrap us, making a better and safer quality of life for the community: the City Law Enforcement Building will be constructed without a bond or any additional cost to taxpayers; the city's first new well in 10 years will be drilled; construction will be finished on a 1.3 mile walking/bike path from 3 East Street and McMurtrey to 18th East Street for Phase 1 of the city's pathway project; and, although not city-funded, both the underpass project and the 8th North Street extension should be close to completion by the end of 2003.

The proposed budget includes a number of service enhancements for the public.

The parks department will receive $50,000 toward Phase 1 of a "Sprayground" addition to the city pool which is likely to prove a popular added attraction.

Private donations from Mountain Home Redi Mix, Aguirre Pest and Lawn, Lott Construction and Idaho Waste Systems, along with $15,000 from the city, will create the private/public partnership necessary to complete Phase 1 of the city's first skateboard park.

The Historical Museum will see $5,000 toward kitchen improvements. Taylor explained, the city owns the property and understands the need for keeping the structure in good repair. There are some signs of damage near the kitchen area. Active volunteers have increased community activities and participation at the museum.

The library will receive money for enhancement of media capabilities in the meeting room and $15,000 for architectural fees to design a library expansion plan. The cemetery will receive money for restroom improvements and Phase 1 of a niche wall for cremations.

The Mountain Home Fire Department is already one of the highest rated volunteer fire departments in the state. Now the city is setting aside $45,000 for a future substation and training facility which could enhance its rating ever further and lower insurance costs for property owners.

Although still a modest figure, $4,350 was added to the marketing budget of the Economic Development Department to attract more business to the area. "In these slower economic times, Mountain Home is fortunately one of the few small cities that makes more jobs than it loses," said Taylor.

The budget reflects the city is planning ahead for long term needs. The water and wastewater budgets reflect a strong commitment to planning for the infrastructure and "making sure we don't find ourselves behind the growth curve. With the drilling of the new well, the Mayor and Council begin a systematic program of phased upgrades in water and wastewater."

Many cities in Idaho don't handle street improvements, water service, law enforcement, fire protection, library or recreation programs, cemetery and airport services, said Taylor. "But, Mountain Home provides all of these for its residents and more. Given that it is impressive that the current levy rate of .007978 is significantly lower than it was seven years ago. In FY 95 the rate was .008848.

"This reduction happened even as city boundaries were expanding, population was growing and the demands for services was increasing. It is possible only because Mountain Home continues to have a strong and growing commercial property tax base, as well as a stable housing base."

The city's growth rate has been a steady at 4 or 5 percent per year since 2000.