Inside Firestone
Firestone Board of Trustees Reviews 2012 Budget
The Town of Firestone 2012 budget was reviewed at the Nov. 2 work session by Mayor Chad Auer, Board of Trustees and staff.
Director of Finance and Administration Ron Lay presented fund summaries for 2011, as well as the proposed budget for 2012. Among his highlights included a report that sales tax for the Firestone area is projected to be above the 2011 estimate of $1.75 million. Based on figures, Lay expects sales tax to come in around $1.84 million, reflecting a healthy growth for the town. Based on those projected numbers for 2011, Lay is recommending a $1.84 million sales tax budget estimate for 2012.
It’s also been a good year for water revenue, which is estimated to generate approximately $2,150,000 in fiscal year 2011, an increase of $150,000 from the $2 million budget set for 2011. Fiscal year 2012 increases were also reported for property taxes. Based on the preliminary assessed values received from Weld County, property tax collections are estimated to be approximately $100,000 higher than fiscal year 2011.
Areas of concern for the Town of Firestone include lower than expected single-family-dwelling permits. The town estimated to bring in 60 permits for 2011, and as of Oct. 31, there were only 49 permits filed. This decreased number appears reasonable considering the current slump in the housing industry.
The sustainability of the Highway Fund, which accounts for roadway construction projects and annual repairs and maintenance of existing roadways, was also discussed with the Mayor and Board of Trustees. Current and future projections indicate that routine repair and maintenance costs cannot be fully funded with the existing revenue sources. Mayor Chad Auer, the Board of Trustees and staff had preliminary discussions on developing dedicated revenue streams for streets and parks maintenance in an effort to maintain those assets at a condition level acceptable to staff and the community.
Significant projects for 2012 included in the budget will be:
∙ The Mayor and Board of Trustees embraced the idea to expand Firestone Boulevard from Interstate 25 to Birch Street to allow for greater traffic accessibility. Town Engineer Dave Lindsay said, “The Firestone Boulevard widening project will relieve a growing congestion problem between the Frontage Road and Birch Street by adding a general purpose lane for both eastbound and westbound traffic.” The project will also include the addition of dual northbound left turn lanes from Birch Street onto westbound Firestone Boulevard. Lindsay further added that additional lanes and traffic signals will improve travel times, especially in morning and evening peaks. Engineering design for this project will begin in 2012, with construction slated to follow in 2013.
∙ The MS4 Plan (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Plan) is a state/federal environmental requirement to be undertaken by highly urbanized communities. Now that the population in Firestone exceeds 10,000, it is likely that the town will be classified as urbanized as per the Environmental Protection Agency. Lindsay said, “Some of the program involves implementing design and construction standards that the town has actually been practicing for many years already. A public outreach and education program will be the primary goal in implementing the MS4 Plan.”
∙ Two new police vehicles will be purchased to retire ones with high mileage and ongoing repair needs.
∙ Onorato Park will get a new tennis court in the spring of 2012.
∙ A new backhoe will be leased for Public Works to continue their work throughout town.
A pending project for 2012 would include lighting the two additional ball fields at the Firestone Regional Sports Complex. The town has applied for grant funding from Great Outdoors Colorado to help support the costs of implementing these projects. Notification of grant winners will be in the first week of December 2011. If the town is awarded this grant funding, the lighting would be able to be completed in 2012. Otherwise, the project is slated for 2013.
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