Date:

July 21, 2008

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Steve Hubka, Budget Officer, 441-7698

The Lincoln City Council this morning proposed the following changes to Mayor Chris Beutler’s recommended budget for 2008-2009:

* These proposed cuts would reduce the amount of the transfer from the Special Assessment Revolving (SAR) Fund to the General Fund.

TAX-FUNDED BUDGET: reduction of $1,011,000 total

• Delay home ownership stimulus program - $610,000.
• Cut consultant services and eliminate Lincoln Fire and Rescue study of coverage areas and response time - $165,000.
• Temporarily suspend Urban Development Department commitment to downtown Lincoln retail incentive project - $100,000.
• Cut contingency fund from $350,000 to $250,000 - $100,000.
• Reduce data processing in Planning - $20,000 total: $16,000 from SAR transfer and $4,000 from County revenue.
• Cut in Criminal Justice Information System - $16,000.
• Move $10,000 special program funding (travel for Economic Development Aide) to Mayor’s budget - no budget impact.

NON TAX-FUNDED BUDGET: reduction of $6,309,217 total.

• Cut all but $235,000 from Mayor’s proposed Fast Forward Fund - $6,200,000.
• Cut two new positions in Public Works and Utilities, Engineering Services Revolving Fund - $108,917.
• Cut $300 for replacement of office chair in Public Works and Utilities, Fleet Services - $300.

The public hearing on the budget is from 2:30 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Monday, August 11. The Council votes on final changes to the Mayor’s budget at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 13 and adopts the budget at 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 25. All meetings are in the City Council Chambers, first floor of the County-City Building, 555 S. 10th St. They will be aired on 5 CITY-TV, the government access cable channel. More information on the City budget is available at lincoln.ne.gov.