FORKS — Next year will be another “bare bones” year for the city, and the City Council is considering a 1 percent property tax increase, Forks Mayor Nedra Reed said.
City staff members are proposing a $5.197 million budget for 2010 that is intended to maintain the status quo for Forks’ core services — mainly police and infrastructure — without any new additions or expansions, she said.
“There’s not any room for fluff or fun,” Reed said.
She said a 1 percent property tax levy increase — the most allowed by state law — is on the table for discussion.
The last public hearing on the proposed budget will be held by the City Council at its Monday meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 500 E. Division St.
The council will consider approval of the budget Dec. 14.
The proposed 2010 budget is slightly less than the $5.244 million budgeted for this year.
Maintain basic needs
Because of a lack of revenue, Reed said the city’s budget has been limited to maintaining the basic needs for its residents for the past six years.
The city is able to continue that fiscal policy and avoid large cuts next year, unlike many recession-hit municipalities, because of a slight projected increase in sales tax revenue, said Reed, who attributed that to the continued influx of Twilight tourists.
Thousands of tourists have descended upon Forks because a series of four bestselling vampire novels — the first named Twilight — are set there.
“Frankly, that’s the reason we have been able to maintain our core services,” Reed said.
Sales tax revenue
Sales tax revenue is projected to be $1.036 million in 2010, a $109,000 increase over this year.
But the increase will not be enough for the city to fill three police officer positions that have been vacant for about three years.
“We’re still able to provide 24/7 coverage, but it’s a struggle to do that,” Reed said.
“One of the problems you have when you are this short in staff is that our officers really don’t get a lot of time off.”
A vacant events coordinator position also is not expected to be funded.
Reed said she may recommend it be filled sometime later in 2010, if the city can find the money.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.