Page 42 - Watauga FY21 Budget

BUDGET OVERVIEW

The FY2020-2021 Budget will provide funding for Strategic Initiatives that will enable the
City to achieve the above stated priority goals. Action items were also developed in
order to achieve the above stated goals as shown on the below table. These goals are
noted in the departmental effectiveness measures/outcomes with the corresponding
goal # as indicated below:

 Develop a sustainable economic development effort – In FY2018-2019, the City
shifted focus from Parks to Economic Development and the ¼ cent sales tax
(Type B) is now available for economic development efforts in the City. A
strategic plan and business recruitment plan for economic development was
developed in FY2019-2020. The City will continue efforts and develop policies
and plans to reinvest, revitalize, and improve aging shopping center sites and
foster economic development, redevelopment, business retention and attraction.
(Goals #1, 3, 4)

 Strengthen Future Planning – The FY2019-2020 budget provided funding for an
update to the Comprehensive Plan to include economic development. A review
of City ordinances is underway and will continue this budget year. (Goal 1,3,4,5)

 Improve Community Involvement – this initiative includes developing more
volunteer opportunities for citizens and continued funding for a citizen survey
every three years. (Goals 1-6)

 Improve the City Brand – funding for branding signs are included in this year’s
budget. The City is focusing on developing a marketing strategy to promote the
City. (Goal 1,3,4)

 Attract, retain and motivate qualified staff – a Personnel Improvement Plan is
included with this budget to identify areas of staffing needs for all City
departments. An employee satisfaction survey will be conducted this fiscal year.
(Goal 6)

 The 5-year Capital Improvement Plan outlines efforts to continue infrastructure
improvements such as water, wastewater, street, and storm drain capital
improvements. In addition, economic development projects such as a restaurant
incubator site and a pedestrian bridge project are included in the plan. Quality of
life projects such as trails, park lighting, and other parks projects are included in
this year’s funding. The City will continue to seek grant opportunities for funding
of capital projects. (Goal 1-5)

34