The
tentative budget totals $9.2 million, according to the
latest version released to the public on July 6. Town
Accountant Jim Keen shows a little more than $5 million
proposed for the General Fund for the new fiscal year.
The
overall budget includes $1.7 million from the town’s reserves
to finish building the fire station and $1.9 million in
reserve contributions. Actual revenue coming to Carefree
this coming fiscal year, minus the reserve contributions,
is estimated to be more than $7 million.
Councilman
Greg Gardner gave a PowerPoint presentation of the budget
for the audience, showing a breakdown of the numbers.
Public safety uses the largest portion of the budget,
36 percent, with law enforcement taking 12 percent, streets
taking 15 percent and growth and resource management items
using 12 percent.
Sales
tax receipts for the new fiscal year are projected to
be slightly higher than last year, about a three percent
growth from $3.5 million to $3.6 million. State‑shared
revenue is estimated to be $1.3 million.
As
for the town’s reserves, Gardner said they are in “excellent”
shape, and that he predicts being able to put money back
into the account after they finish paying for the fire
station.
“This
is a conservative, balanced budget,” Gardner said.
The
tentative 2007‑08 budget was approved unanimously.
The numbers approved by town council no longer can be
raised, but funds within the budget can be moved around
if deemed necessary prior to final approval at the Aug.
7 meeting.
