Comments on Proposed 2012 Budget - City of Castle Pines

Balancing a budget can prove difficult in places like Washington DC.  Similarly, staff has recommended to Council that they adopt another deficit budget for Castle Pines.  Council is planning to spend $1.2 million more than will be taken in for 2011.  Next year Council is asked to spend $223,233 more than it takes in. 

As for money coming into the city, you’re forecast to pay $400,000 for franchise fees associated with utilities and cable TV.  You’re expected to pay $630,000 in fees to the City that are associated with buying a new car.    

What value do you receive in return?  $120,000 pays basic legal services, with an additional $45,000 earmarked for suing ourselves.   $156,000 buys 30 hours a week of City management services.  $132,000 buys 83 hours a month producing financial statements.  “City Hall” rent is $85,000 at a time when we should share space with the Metro District.  $158,000 runs a park with no revenue.  At the same time the Metro District already has a parks manager, and Master Association dues aimed at parks sit idle.  $75,000 will explain to you what a great job is being done by the City, and $16,000 televises Council meetings.  $21,000 pays to ask you to pay more tax to the City, exactly why has yet to be determined. 

Council will consider staff’s proposal.  They can change any item prior to approval.  Oh, that they would.

What’s good news in the budget?  $1.3 million is aimed at our streets.  This time last year staff assured us we only needed to spend $200,000 on street repairs.  While that estimate changed, we still have not determined overall costs to maintain our streets over time. 

You should ask why.

Happily, fresh faces on the new council will soon be seated.  When that happens, talks with the Metro District Board can restart.  I suggest the attorneys and employees be kept out of the room.  Talks should not begin with a list of items to negotiate.  Instead, start with building a social relationship upon which to base the business relationship.  Once you find out you can get along, then start easing into the more substantive discussions. 

When this process produces results, Council can then adopt a revised budget to reflect the opportunities mentioned above.  It’s always important to consider the future, but the next three months need to be focused on slashing costs, and putting our own house in order.