Perrysburg City Council takes first look at 2014 budget

$2M loss in revenues expected; $6.6M remain in coffers

12/4/2013

Perrysburg City Council took a first look at the city's 2014 budget Tuesday that initially shows an almost $2 million deficit.

Council will vote on the budget's passage at its Dec. 17 council meeting. The budget shows nearly $1.4 million in spending exceeding revenue and $507,500 used to pay off debt. The city enters 2014 with about $6.6 million in its coffers.

Perrysburg Financial Director Dave Creps said the city expects the expenditures in line with revenues by the end of 2014.

The city projects about $28.6 in revenues, which is up 10 percent from 2013, and $30 million in expenditures, which is up nearly 16 percent from the almost $26 million the city spent this year. 

Mr. Creps said, "We live very frugally than what I've seen with other cities who are anxious to spend money."

Perrysburg has no general fund debt, and is projecting $726,428 left over in that fund after 2014. Mr. Creps said the city tries to have a $500,000 cushion in the general fund. Perrysburg also has more than $1.8 million in its rainy day fund.

Mr. Creps was careful not to say Perrysburg is in good shape, "because you never know what will happen," but hinted at it.

Two big projects facing the city are a projected $14.8 million wastewater treatment plant expansion and upgrades to the State Rt. 25 and Eckel Junction intersection, and Jefferson Street.

About 53 percent of Perrysburg's revenues are from $15.25 million it receives from its income tax. Personnel costs account for almost $14 million in expenses, and capital projects are estimated at about $5.6 million. 

One item that was up for debate Tuesday was the hiring of a new police officer, so the city could assign a school resource officer for Perrysburg Schools during the school year after Jan. 1.

Council member Sara Weisenburger thought it should be a school board question and not for city council.

"The schools have needed this for a long time," Mayor Nelson Evans said. "It helps the schools and the police. Officers at schools can get intelligence and interact with kids to stop things before they happen. It is a lot easier and cheaper this way."

Council member Todd Grayson thought it should be brought up later, after more public discussion. Perrysburg Schools would pay $52,164 of the officer's $75,6000 annual salary to work in the schools while they are in session. During the summer, that officer would be at the disposal of the Perrysburg police department.

Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com, 419-356-8786, or on Twitter at @mthompson25.