The Kingman City Council has preliminarily approved the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Tentative adoption of the budget June 4 means that it can go no higher, though adjustments within the spending plan can occur before final approval by the Council.
Financial Services Director Tina Moline said the general fund totals $34.5-million, about 63% of that dedicated to police and fire operations. She said a $47-million earmark for the Interstate 11 East Kingman Connection initiative highlights the capital project list.
Moline also said the budget provides a 2% pay increase for full time city workers. She said that it also provides some compression adjustments for selected public safety personnel.
During the same meeting, city manager Ron Foggin announced that staff is recommending that the city change its community-wide application of permit and fee expense waivers encouraging commercial development. Foggin said analysis reveals the city isn’t enjoying the return it anticipated from the incentives.
Council members, by consensus, embraced Foggin’s suggestion that the waiver program be reduced from a city-wide campaign, and converted to one that has targets. He suggested that the downtown and areas along Route 66 could be identified as target areas for implementation of the waiver to encourage commercial development in those zones.
Vice Mayor Travis Lingenfelter suggested that the fee waiver also be implemented to cover projects in the retail and restaurant arena as well. Staff will develop a proposal to bring back for Council consideration later this summer.
