MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mike Wildgen, City Manager  

THRU:             Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager

FROM:            Victor Torres, Neighborhood Resources Director

SUBJECT:      2005 Budget Request

DATE:             May 7, 2004

The Neighborhood Resources Department 2005 Budget Request includes a Program Improvement Decision package, and Capital Outlay expenditures, Contractual Services and Commodities are within the confines of the 2004 budget.  The increase in Personal Services is attributed to a couple of issues; employee merit increases and benefits and the reallocation the department secretarial salaries.  The department includes a secretarial staff of two that perform work for the Code Enforcement Division and the Community Development Division.     

Historically, the department budget allocated for the salary of one secretary, while CDBG funding paid for the salary of the second secretary.  In an effort to more accurately reflect work performed by staff, the 2005 Budget includes the salary of one secretary as in previous budgets, plus one-half the salary of the second secretary.         

Capital expenditures for the 2005 year are limited to the purchase of one vehicle for inspection staff.  The vehicle will have approximately 96,000 miles at time of replacement.  Reports provided by Steve Stewart, Central Garage Superintendent, indicate two vehicles qualify for replacement based on the Vehicle Replacement Model Guidelines.  However, in an effort to reduce the impact of the proposed 2005 Budget, one vehicle per year will be purchased.  The second vehicle will be within the 90,000 mile range if purchased in the 2006 budget. 

A final item included in the 2005 Budget request is a Program Improvement Decision package that includes the addition of one staff person.  This position will provide a multifunction skill of plan review and construction inspections as needed.    The number of construction inspectors for the department has remained constant over the last several years (since 1991) while the total number of building permits and inspections has increased.  Currently, the department has four construction inspectors.  Although staff is aware of the state of the economy and potentially lesser funds available for expenditures, construction activity in Lawrence has not declined.  One additional inspector would substantially support the department, by being able to meet inspection demands, increasing productivity; accountability and ensuring timely plan reviews and efficient and thorough inspections.