Even construction costs for a new community swimming pool won't make a major splash in residents' pocketbooks this year.
Despite the fact that a new outdoor pool and other construction projects will add approximately $1.3 million in costs to the city's fiscal 1994 budget, city officials say they are not planning to raise taxes to offset those costs.According to the city's preliminary budget, the city will spend approximately $1.5 million for construction of the new pool. City leaders say they will not need to bond to pay for the new pool, which will be next to the city's indoor pool. Construction on the pool should begin this fall, and the pool should be open next spring.
The city's general fund, which generally includes operating costs and excludes capital improvements like the new swimming pool, is projected for only a small increase.
In addition to the pool-construction expenses, city leaders approved funding in the budget for:
- A $36,000 computer system at the municipal library. That system, developed by Dynix, will allow library employees to concentrate on regular duties rather than tracking overdue books and to provide computerized periodicals information.
- Requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act for public buildings for $80,000. In particular, the Spanish Fork Library and Spanish Fork Senior Citizens Center need updating to meet handicapped accessibility standards, which cities, counties and states must meet by 1995.
- Two new employees, one new police officer and an additional electrical-department employee, for approximately $50,000.
Nebo School District will split costs with Spanish Fork for the new officer, who will work in juvenile-crime investigation, promote the Officer Friendly and drug awareness programs in Spanish Fork-area schools and teach a law-enforcement class at Spanish Fork High.
The electrical department employee is needed to help complete extensive loop work, updates and replacement of old lines, as well as to help with work at Canyon View Park. The latter project, which will be partially funded by the Utah County restaurant tax, will allow the city to hold a Christmas lighting program and celebration at the park.
Overall, the city will spend nearly $13 million in fiscal '94, an 11 percent increase from fiscal '93. City officials remain adamant against raising taxes to pay for projects and say revenue from increased hookup fees from both businesses and residences will help offset most of the cost increases.
The budget "reflects the philosophy of the city to continue building basic services and to pay for these improvements with present dollars, avoiding debt wherever possible," City Administrator Dave Oyler said.
In fact, the city dropped some fees charged at the city fairgrounds, but officials say they are studying possible utility impact fees, something Lehi and Springville officials have either adopted or discussed this year.
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(Chart)
Budget
Spanish Fork
General fund: $2.97 million
1993 - 94
General fund: $2.94 million
1992-93
Where it comes from:
Property tax: $340,000
Last year: $383,784
Sales tax: $1.02 million
Last year: $998,302
Franchise tax: $22,000
Last year: $20,650
Other revenue: $1.03 million
Last year: $946,764
Fund transfer: $554,612
Last year: $590,500
Where it goes:
Police: $994,509
Last year: $1.17 million
Fire: $124,410
Last year: $148,574
Parks and recreation: $127,704
Last year: $114,508
Streets: $311,262
Last year: $326,940
Administration: $348,195
Last year: $314,658
Engineerings: $171,625
Last year: $113,448
Tax/fee increases: None