Page 14 - Watauga FY22-23 Budget

BUDGET MESSAGE FOR FY2022-2023

• The General Fund includes a transfer to the General Capital Projects Fund to meet
on-going street maintenance needs. In FY2023, the Street Maintenance Sales
Tax Fund reserves will be used until depleted.

• Critical capital outlay items such as vehicles, equipment, and technology are
funded by the equipment replacement fund and the 2022 Certificates of Obligation
issuance. The 5-year capital outlay plan is included in this budget document.

This spending plan reflects our commitment to provide quality services and amenities to
our residents, while enhancing our organization’s long-term financial sustainability. The
objectives used in developing this budget were to present a balanced budget with prudent
revenue and expenditure estimates and aligns with the City Council’s Strategic Plan
priorities and initiatives.

The Adopted Budget for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 connects the priorities and financial
planning as outlined in the Council Strategic Planning Session held in June 2022. The
primary concerns while preparing this budget were continuing as many programs and
services for our citizens as feasible within budgetary constraints, improving and restoring
appropriate staffing levels, and maintaining reserve levels in accordance with the City’s
fiscal policies. Services provided by the City include fire and police protection, emergency
medical services, planning and zoning, economic development, code compliance, street
maintenance, water and wastewater services, parks, recreation, library, and senior citizen
services.

Strategic Direction

Setting long-term priorities for the City is one of the most important responsibilities for
Watauga’s elected officials. In June 2022, Council met to discuss top priority goals for the
City. By focusing on goals and strategic initiatives, Council and staff are able to position
the community in a positive direction. These goals guide financial and operational
decisions to achieve community excellence. Following are the City Council’s goals and
strategic initiatives, which are supported in the budget:

City Council Goals

Watauga continues to move at a healthy pace toward its strategic goals and objectives
with regards to meeting the needs of citizens, economic development and revitalization,
improving infrastructure, and making Watauga, “A Great Place to Live.” The budget
reflects the City Council’s vision that “The City is focused on building an inclusive
community that delivers an exceptional quality of life with access to amenities and
programs through good governance, fiscal responsibility, and transparency.”

The FY2022-2023 Budget will provide funding for City Council goals and related strategic
Initiatives:

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