HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd2021-001' Sponsored by: Mayor Terry
Introduction Date: January 11, 2021
Public Hearing Date: January 25, 2021
Enactment Date: January 25, 2021
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2021-001
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING PORTIONS OF SEWARD CITY CODE
CHAPTER 5.05 — BUDGET TO CREATE A MORE TIMELY, ROBUST,
AND PUBLICLY -INVOLVED BUDGET PROCESS
WHEREAS, in 2010, the City of Seward transitioned to having a biennial budget; and
WHEREAS, the budget process is one of the key events the City conducts during which
the public's involvement is critical; and ,
WHEREAS, good public participation practices help governments, in general, to be
more accountable and responsive to their communifies, and also help to improve the public's
perception of governmental performance and the value the public receives from their
government; and
' WHEREAS, the budget, as an instrument, should accomplish all of the following:
• weighs policy priorities against available public resources
• specifies the ways and means of providing public programs and services
• establishes the cost of programs and the criteria by which these programs will be
evaluated for efficiency and effectiveness
• ensures that programs will be evaluated at least once each budget cycle
• redistributes income
• provides the government with a spending limitation; and,
• provides transparency by which the government may be held accountable at the
end of each budget cycle; and
WHEREAS, developing the budget is more than just number crunching — the budget is a
reflection of the community's strategic plan, and should consider the needs and priorities of all
stakeholders, from citizens and business leaders to employees and government officials; and
WHEREAS, developing a more timely, robust and transparent budget process will
improve the City's credibility and trust within the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS:
(Deletions are ' ' ; Additions are italicized, underlined, and
bolded.)
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2021-001
Section 1. Seward City Code Chapter 5.01 — Fiscal Year is hereby amended to read as
follows:
5.01.010. - Fiscal year.
The fiwal year of the eily shag begin om July 1 of eseh yean Beginning Jamunry 1,
2000, The fiscal year of the city shall begin on January 1 of each year.
Section 2. Seward City Code Chapter 5.05 — Budget is hereby amended to read as
follows:
5.05.005 — Budget assumptions.
(a) The City of Seward operates on a traditional biennial budget beginning on January P and
ending on December 3P of each odd year.
(b) By the first Friday in September of each even year the city manager shall present to the
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projections, tax ana unary rates, program aaattans or aetetrons, wares ma nenejaa ana any ,
other issues having potential effects upon the City's overall financial condition.
5.05.010. — Budget proposal
jel The city manager shall present to the council a budget proposal for the next two fiscal years
of the city at least 45 days prior to the next biennial fiscal year. Such budget proposal shall set
forth the city manager's recommended tax rate based on an analysis of the anticipated income
and expenditures of the city for the next two fiscal years.
(b) The proposed expenditures set forth in the budget proposal shall not exceed the expected
revenues of the city.
(c) Unencumbered funds remaining at the end of each fiscal year may be reallocated for
purposes set forth in the budget proposal.
the effect of capital improvement projects on maintenance, operation, and personnel costs.
jet The council shall by June 15 of each year present to the borough assembly a statement of
the city's rate of levy, unless a different date is agreed upon by the borough and city. - '
I
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2021-001
5.05.015. - Review; hearing; adoption.
(al Review. The budget proposal of the city manager shall be reviewed by the council and shall
be available for public inspection in the office of the city clerk. Except as Provided by SCC
any city official or employee on the basis of any claim of executive or deliberative process
Privilege,
(b) Hearing. Council shall direct that a at least two public hearings on the biennial budget
budget is Presented to counciL The second public hearing shall be held not less than one
week before its final adoption. Notice of the public hearings shall be published in a newspaper
by the city clerk at least one week prior to the date of each hearing.
(c) Adoption. At a regular meeting held not less than ten days prior to the end of the even fiscal
year, the council shall, by resolution, adopt a budget for the next two fiscal years and make
appropriation of the money needed therefore. If the council does not adopt a budget prior to
If Ike eowimeil does owt adopt a biennial budget pi4or to the third day pmeediNg th
e + +
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following its enactment.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
this 25' day of January, 2021.
Tr SEW SKA
Christy Ter , Mayor
AYES: McClure, Casagranda, DeMoss, Seese, Osenga, Bachum, Terry
' NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2021-001
ATTEST:
Brenda J. BAIM4&�
City Clerk
(City Sea])
• SEAL { •
OF
Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: January 11, 2021
To: City Council
From: Mayor Terry
Agenda Item: Ordinance 2020-001, Amending Portions Of Seward City Code Chapter
5.05 Budget To Create A More Timely, Robust, And Publicly -Involved
Budget Process
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
In 2010, the City of Seward transitioned to having a biennial budget. The budget process is complex
and involved, and should not be an expedited process; rather, it should be conducted incrementally
and progressively to ensure adequate input from all parties.
It is critically important that the public be involved in the process, that the review and development
of the budget be transparent, and that the members of the city council have the utmost confidence in
their understanding of all components of the budget when voting to approve it. Establishing a more
predictable schedule and clarifying expectations for everyone will facilitate the process and result in
a more satisfactory outcome.
INTENT:
To develop a more timely, robust and transparent budget process will improve the City's credibility
and trust within the community.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Yes No N/A
1. Comprehensive Plan (document source here): x
2. Strategic Plan (document source here): x
7-1
3. Other (list): Seward Charter x
FISCAL NOTE:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this resolution.
Approved by Finance Department: - !WIMV� -M
4&'i
ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes :............................................ Not Applicable
Edits from City Attorney have been included in the Ordinance being presented.
RECOMMENDATION:
Enact Ordinance 2020-001