Not sure you understand Tacoma's proposed budget? Now there's a video!

A video on the City Tacoma’s 2013-2014 biennial budget is now available for your viewing pleasure.

The video explains the current budget situation (in case you missed it), and provides a summary of proposed changes: cuts, revenue enhancements, and realignment of City departments; all set against soothing music and a background video montage of city services. Some of the highlights:

Tacoma’s total proposed operating budget for the next biennium is $2.77 billion, with $396.4 million of that going to general fund expenditures.

Two proposed revenue enhancement opportunities:

 
• A $20 license tab fee enabled by the creation of a transportation benefit district = $3.86 million for local transportation projects.

 
• The elimination of the nonprofit healthcare business exemption = $5.5 million

Police:

 
• A reduction of 29 police dept positions = $6.9 M savings

 
• 26 of those are officer positions, 13 of which are currently vacant

Fire:

 
• The elimination of 29 commissioned positions, and 2 support positions = a savings of $8.1 M,

 
• This will result in the closure of one fire station and modified levels of service at two others.

 
• Implementation of procedures to reduce and redirect frequent 911 callers.

Public Works:

 
• The reduction of 71 positions in Street Operations and Engineering Division.

 
• Redirection of resources to more permanent structural improvements to reduce the need for short-term fixes.

Libraries:

 
• Tacoma’s main library will reduce operational hours to 45 hours a week = $969,000 in savings.

 
• The 7 neighborhood locations will continue to operate at 40 hours weekly.

 
• Reductions in levels of technical and support staffing = $980,000 savings.

 
• Lower materials budget = $1 million savings

Throughout the video, it is emphasized that where possible, the City has sought out cost savings and operational efficiencies City services and projects will continue.

Now it’s your turn: attend one of the 5 scheduled community budget input meetings The Council is scheduled to adopt the 2013-2014 biennial budget in December, for implementation January 1, 2013.

So, what do you think?

Previously from Exit133: Proposed Budget Cuts for 2013-2014.