The past two weeks have been budget focused - the fiscal 2013 budget that is.
Our budget team including Finance Director Tara Musick, Accounting Manager Hollie Verran, and Human Resources Director Belva Hale has been meeting with department directors to discuss their proposed work plan and funding needs for the 12-month period commencing July 1, 2012.
An important part of the discussions is to review where each department is in accomplishing their current objectives as we're now seven months and counting into the current fiscal year.
Our focus as a budget team is what we need to do as a city to enhance the public health, welfare, safety, and economy - once we know that, assigning resources to advance the desired outcomes is easy.
Well - maybe not easy - but at least we know what we need to do. And that's the most important part of the process.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Simple
During the first six months of the fiscal year, city sales tax receipts are running approximately 6% higher than last year.
While this is encouraging, it remains ever important to remember one of the simple financial rules taught by our mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather: "It's not how much you make, it's how much you spend."
That rule applies to all of us as individuals and families - and especially to city government.
So remember this simple principle - and we'll do the same.
While this is encouraging, it remains ever important to remember one of the simple financial rules taught by our mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather: "It's not how much you make, it's how much you spend."
That rule applies to all of us as individuals and families - and especially to city government.
So remember this simple principle - and we'll do the same.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pancakes
Since the Saturday before Fat Tuesday received a posting, you really didn't think Shrove Tuesday would pass without comment did you? Of course not.
Today was extra special as a warm plate of blueberry pancakes awaited me at work on this day before the start of Lent.
The food will provide the necessary nourishment to assist in the review of the 92 project, $78 million 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Plan with City Council this evening. Thanks are in order to City Engineer Tim Beavers and Finance Director Tara Musick who took leading roles in developing a sound CIP to guide future capital planning decisions of the city.
Oh, did I mention bacon was served up this morning too? Yep, some days are better than others - thanks in large part to Barbara, Tara, and Tim.
Today was extra special as a warm plate of blueberry pancakes awaited me at work on this day before the start of Lent.
The food will provide the necessary nourishment to assist in the review of the 92 project, $78 million 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Plan with City Council this evening. Thanks are in order to City Engineer Tim Beavers and Finance Director Tara Musick who took leading roles in developing a sound CIP to guide future capital planning decisions of the city.
Oh, did I mention bacon was served up this morning too? Yep, some days are better than others - thanks in large part to Barbara, Tara, and Tim.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Winter break
It's winter break for students of the city school system. Mother Nature tried it's best to put an exclamation point on the event but nary a flake fell around here.
But just look north into Virginia and snow is evident at the higher elevations - and big snow was recorded a little further than that.
While a little snow is always nice to see the savings for snow removal costs not spent is even better.
So travel a little north if you really like snow - and we'll let our neighbors worry about the rest.
But just look north into Virginia and snow is evident at the higher elevations - and big snow was recorded a little further than that.
While a little snow is always nice to see the savings for snow removal costs not spent is even better.
So travel a little north if you really like snow - and we'll let our neighbors worry about the rest.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Saturday before fat tuesday
The Saturday before Fat Tuesday - always one of the best of the year.
A stroll through Steele Creek Park saw numerous walkers, dog walkers, joggers, and bikers enjoying the unseasonably pleasant day. The playgrounds were full and others enjoyed the fishing, basketball, and tennis available.
A group of kids were riding their motorized cars and jeeps around and around Rooster Front until the batteries ran low and then out.
The Bark Park was also busy with canines and owners each socializing under sunny skies in their own way.
The Saturday before Fat Tuesday in Steele Creek Park - now that's a Saturday to remember.
A stroll through Steele Creek Park saw numerous walkers, dog walkers, joggers, and bikers enjoying the unseasonably pleasant day. The playgrounds were full and others enjoyed the fishing, basketball, and tennis available.
A group of kids were riding their motorized cars and jeeps around and around Rooster Front until the batteries ran low and then out.
The Bark Park was also busy with canines and owners each socializing under sunny skies in their own way.
The Saturday before Fat Tuesday in Steele Creek Park - now that's a Saturday to remember.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
City bus
I found myself traveling on the Southside route of the Bristol transit system today and watched a couple of folks enter the bus for their journey somewhere within the city.
The bus departed the Downtown Center on its 12:15 p.m. run with service down the Volunteer Parkway, returning back downtown via Bluff City Highway for its next run an hour later. Of course it meandered a bit along its designated route to pass closer to points of frequent travel for the riders.
For 60 cents an adult ride, it is a good way to get around the town. Six buses operate 5 days a week and cover 850 miles a day taking passengers to major office, medical, and retail destinations in Bristol Tennessee and Virginia.
Service is also available for persons unable to use the regular bus service - and a special program is available to help our residents get access to their job.
With new 26-passenger coaches, this is a great service for the transit-dependent members of our community - and another good reason to live in Bristol.
The bus departed the Downtown Center on its 12:15 p.m. run with service down the Volunteer Parkway, returning back downtown via Bluff City Highway for its next run an hour later. Of course it meandered a bit along its designated route to pass closer to points of frequent travel for the riders.
For 60 cents an adult ride, it is a good way to get around the town. Six buses operate 5 days a week and cover 850 miles a day taking passengers to major office, medical, and retail destinations in Bristol Tennessee and Virginia.
Service is also available for persons unable to use the regular bus service - and a special program is available to help our residents get access to their job.
With new 26-passenger coaches, this is a great service for the transit-dependent members of our community - and another good reason to live in Bristol.
Monday, February 13, 2012
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