Page 20 - Watauga FY21 Budget

BUDGET MESSAGE FOR FY 2020-2021

Library – (1.25) Full-time equivalent positions were frozen and unfunded
this fiscal year in various divisions. These include the Homework Help
Center Coordinator and the Library Assistant/Circulation.

Parks – (.25) Full-time equivalent positions for the Summer Parks Maintenance
Worker is frozen and unfunded this fiscal year.

Police – (2) Full-time equivalent positions (9 school crossing guards) previously
funded by the Traffic Safety fund were eliminated this fiscal year. The school
districts will now cover the crossing guard duties.

Economic Development – (1) Full-time equivalent position for Economic
Development Specialist was eliminated this year. Funding was provided by the
Economic Development Corporation for part of this position.

The City has additional vacancies in various departments that will be frozen until
economic conditions improve.

There are 2 new positions (1.0 FTEs) funded this year by the Economic Development
Corporation – (.5) FTE Public Information Officer that will provide website and marketing
support for the Economic Development Corporation. An Administrative Assistant (.5
FTE) will provide administrative support to the corporation. This position will be also be
partially funded by the General Fund Finance Department.

The Police Records Clerk was increased to full time from part-time, or by (.5 FTE)

¾ The City’s Employee Retirement (TMRS) rate is forecast to be 15.05%, up .68%
from last year’s rate of 14.37%.

¾ Health insurance cost increases over the last few fiscal years have been a major
concern in the City. This fiscal year, health insurance came in at no increase and
thus had no financial impact on the budget. The City continues to contribute some
funding to dependent insurance costs and matching contributions for employees’
health savings accounts.

¾ Programs Not Funded this year include:

The City implemented “WataugaFit”, an employee wellness program
to identify risk and provide avenues for behavior modification which
reduces chronic disease, medical costs and absenteeism last fiscal year. This
program is not funded this year, but it is a priority of the City to continue Health and
Wellness programs for City Employees. The programs associated with no costs will
continue this fiscal year.

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