At its regular session on December 13, the Liberty City Council approved a $15.1 million budget and an overall budget of $39.8 million.
As a whole, the 2011 budget anticipates lower expenditures than 2009 and the forecast for 2010, reflecting continued efforts by the City Council and staff to maintain reduced spending, while at the same time being responsive to community service needs. General Fund revenue for 2011 is projected to be $735,943, or five percent, lower than the forecast for 2010.
Highlights for the 2011 budget, from all funds, include:
- Addition of a Utilities Director, Information Services Technician, Police Dispatch and a Patrol Officer for the Traffic Unit.
- Continued freeze of 10 full-time & 2 part-time positions
- No annual compensation increases for City staff
- Neutral property tax levy rates, no increase
- Continued suspension of 401K matches
- Continued funding for KCATA bus service (Liberty Express)
- Funding for Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. and the Partnership for Community Growth & Development
The approved 2011 budget also includes a 3-year Capital Improvements Budget that includes public works equipment, I-35/291 interchange engineering and construction.
The 2011 Budget is the result of extensive work, discussion and review by City staff, the Council Budget Committee and the Citizens Sales Tax Oversight Committee.