Page 18 - City of Watauga FY22 Adopted Budget

BUDGET MESSAGE FOR FY2021-2022

family homes. Some smaller residential developments are currently underway. Future
commercial development includes a new office park, Magnolia Office Park. This 3.596
acre of land is located less than two miles from Interstate 820.

The City continues a long-term approach through various planning tools. These include
the following:

❖ A Comprehensive Land Use Plan was adopted by City Council to be used as a
tool in the development of the City. As the City approaches full build out, planning
initiatives for re-development and improvement of certain aging corridors in the
City are of primary focus.

❖ The Equipment Replacement Fund put into place a few years ago continues to
be assurance that certain equipment, technology, and vehicle needs will be met in
the future.

❖ The Capital Outlay Plan provides for a 5-year format to identify timing of
replacement and sources of funding for major equipment, vehicles, and technology
City-wide.

❖ 5-year Capital Improvement Plan is a long range financial planning document
that revolves around several major street projects and water/sewer system
infrastructure projects as well as significant improvements to our storm water
drainage system. Various water and sewer infrastructure projects continue that are
funded by the 2017 and 2019 Certificates of Obligation proceeds. The 2018
Certificates of Obligation proceeds fund street projects, parks improvements, and
building improvements throughout the City. The 2020 Certificates of Obligation
provided funding for the Fire Station restroom renovation, a restaurant incubator
site project, street projects, parks facility building improvements, and various
capital outlay items. A 2021 Certificates of Obligation debt issuance will fund street
projects, traffic signalization, and various equipment and vehicles outlined in the
Capital Outlay Program.

❖ The Parks Master Plan identifies various parks improvement projects throughout
the City of Watauga. Many of these projects are incorporated into the 5-year
Capital Improvement Plan with funding sources identified.

❖ A Personnel Improvement Plan identifies needed personnel positions in order to
provide services and programs to our Citizens.

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