Politics & Government
Gulfport City Budget Passes
Councilors passed next year's operating budget in record time Wednesday night.
In less than four minutes, Gulfport City Councilors unanimously passed next year's operating budget Wednesday night. They also approved a millage rate of 4.039 during the budget hearing at city hall.
Mayor Sam Henderson praised city staff and councilors for their diligent work this year and for making the process smooth for everyone involved.
"I thought it went really well this time," he said.
Note: Vice Mayor Dan Liedtke was not in attendance. The ordinance passed with a 4 - 0 vote.
Here's a look at the numbers:
The budget for FY 2013-14 is $11,430,368.
The city has left $4,346,495 in the reserves.
Funding Sources:
Estimated Revenues $8,858,248
Transfers from Other Funds:
Marina PILOT 391,980
Marina Loan Payment 80,000
Sanitation PILOT 659,751
Utilities PILOT 516,901
Enterprise Funds 10% Overhead 923,488
Appropriations:
Police Services $3,711,184
Fire & EMS Services 1,461,763
Council and Clerk 295,228
Legal 87,500
City Manager 328,733
Administrative Services/Personnel 562,674
Information Technology 144,995
Community Development 618,059
Leisure Services 2,696,831
Public Works 1,519,128
Budget Highlights Include:
Raise for City Employees
The budget includes a 2 percent across the board raise for city employees.
Marina Improvements
The budget includes a loan from the General Fund budget of $880,000 to the Gulfport Municipal Marina for various improvements including:
- ship store/amenities/facilities = $670,000
- long-term resident/transient/guest area = $45,000
- 10 boat lifts (at $20 each) = 100,000
- Live-Aboard Imps. = $40,000
- Marina Master Site Planning (phase 1) = $25,000
City council unanimously approved measures to upgrade all decorative lamps to LED systems, which will result in better visibility, on 49th St. The cost is estimated at $15,000.
New Officer
The majority of council agreed to hire a sworn officer within next year's budget. The estimated cost for adding a community resource officer is approximately $85,000 a year. The officer will focus on problems in the 49th St. area and work out of The Gulfport Neighborhood Center.
Water, Sewer, Stormwater Rate Increase
Gulfport City Council passed a 12 percent increase for water, sewer and stormwater rates. Learn more about the increase in our article, "Water, Sewer, Stormwater Rates Going Up."
Marketing Plan
City Manager Jim O'Reilly has appropriated $30,000 within the Waterfront Redevelopment District Fund for marking.
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