CLEARLAKE >> News was primarily positive during the Clearlake City Council’s mid-year budget review, which was held Thursday evening.
Despite some accounts seeing lower than expected revenues, an overall amount of $243,000 in unanticipated revenues has been received so far this fiscal year. Additionally, multiple budgets have seen a decrease in both spending and incurred expenses.
According to Clearlake Director of Finance Chris Becnel, unanticipated revenues totaling $101,000 have been received for an administration fee settlement from property tax; workers’ compensation reimbursement equal $85,000 and a total of $57,000 from liability insurance reimbursement. Additionally, decreases in legal fees, advertising, animal control and police department spending total $173,000 in savings.
Budget adjustments, which will utilize some of the saving and unexpected revenue, include new computers for both the police department and administrative offices, which will total $38,000 and $16,500, respectively. Two new police vehicles will also be purchased by the city. These run $41,000 each.
A total of $50,000 will be placed into the city’s economic uncertainty fund, to provide a cushion in the event of an emergency or other unexpected expenditures.
Other budget adjustments include allocating money to animal control and code enforcement.
Councilman Bruno Sabatier said he would like some of the money to go toward the Clearlake skate park, which was found to be a safety hazard earlier that day.
Clearlake Public Works Director Doug Herren cited the use of BMX bicycles at the park, which has resulted in deterioration, as the reason for the safety concerns.
“The park wasn’t designed for bikes, only skateboards,” Herren said.
The remaining members of the council voiced concerns over spending city money in cases where fundraisers could be organized. Ultimately, the council reached a consensus to appropriate a maximum of $10,000 to the skate park, as well as sending the issue to the Clearlake Planning Commission to determine options for future sustainability and possible renovation.
“The park will be closed tomorrow,” Herron said. “Until we can fix the safety issues.”
After the planning commission discusses the issue, it will be brought back to the council for approval.
All budget adjustments and allocations were unanimously approved by the council with a 5-0 vote.
