May 15, 2019 | Vol. 14 | No. 20
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Prudent Under-Spending Saves Tax Dollars
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Click to view the City's full-length news release |
The City was able to end the 2018 fiscal year
$1.1 million in the black, when comparing budget to actual. On May 7, (
watch meeting footage here) the City Council reviewed the 2018 Year End Financial Status Report, including the reasons for the fund balance. The budget savings was generated mostly by position vacancies and reduced spending on contracted services, while the modest revenue surplus was generated primarily by a one-time refund from the State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
In the lead up to the November 2018 election and
Proposition 1 (a property tax levy), several staff resigned after finding new job opportunities elsewhere and the City also experienced an increase in retirements. In most cases, the City left these vacancies open, which resulted in salary savings. Moreover, due to less staff resources, the City reduced service levels by eliminating Summer Celebration, shrinking senior programs, trimming Community Center operating hours, and other measures. In some cases, existing staff temporarily took on additional responsibilities.
Given the City's financial challenges, staff also prudently under-spent what was budgeted in 2018. In some cases, previously contracted work was brought "in-house" and completed by City staff.
Staff also identified an irregularity regarding the reporting of worker hours for police and fire personnel to
Labor & Industries. This resulted in a significant one-time refund of over $222,000 in L&I insurance premiums and will reduce future payments to L&I.
Collectively, staff attrition, under-spending, and one-time refunds have all helped the City get one step ahead of significant projected deficits and accelerate the implementation of its
Fiscal Sustainability Plan. The Council will determine the disposition of the surplus funding later this fall. Even with this one-time surplus in place, significant future deficits are projected.
Read full news release |
Council to Review Critical Area and Shoreline Amendments
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Click for more information
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On May 21, at its Regular Meeting (7:00pm at City Hall), the City Council will begin reviewing amendments to the Critical Areas Code (CAO) and Shoreline Master Program (SMP), as recommended by the Planning Commission. Please visit Let's Talk Mercer Island for more information, to view the latest draft, and to post public comments.
The Planning Commission's recommendation was developed after review and consideration of comments made by the public on the Public Hearing Draft. The recommended code updates will:
- Expand buffer widths around geologically hazardous areas, watercourses, and wetlands consistent with the best available science
- Clarify the requirements around mitigation of impacts - applicants will be required to document how projects have avoided and minimized impacts, and how projects have mitigated unavoidable impacts
- Clarify habitat protection standards for endangered & threatened species
- Create processes for quicker review for small-scale projects and a more in-depth review for complex projects
Visit the City's public engagement site, Let's Talk Mercer Island, for more information. |
Bike Everywhere Day: Friday May 17
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Bike support booths on the UW Campus; click to learn more
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Every May is national Bike Everywhere Month, and this Friday is
Bike Everywhere Day (aka "Bike-to-Work Day"). On May 17, approximately
20,000 cyclists across Puget Sound will participate in the all-day event.
It's a great opportunity for first time riders: even if your bike isn't in tip-top shape, just make sure your brakes are working, pump up your tires, and blow the dust off your helmet.
Mercer Island cyclists will see lots of fellow commuters, and there will be a support booth (
click for map) at the east end of the I-90 bridge in Enatai. This year, almost 20 City staff will also be participating. Learn more from
Cascade Bicycle Club.
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New Seasons Market Hunger Match Weekend
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Click to learn more
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Mercer Island's New Seasons Market will host its annual Hunger Match Weekend on May 18-19, matching the first $1,000 in customer donations to the City's Food Pantry and Emergency Assistance Fund.
As part of New Seasons Market's ongoing
commitment to the community, the City's Youth and Family Services Department (MIYFS) is its chosen local organization that fights hunger and offers support to food insecure families. Customers can make a donation at the register anytime they shop, but on May 18 and 19 their donations will be matched 100%.
"Nourishing local communities and ensuring everyone has access to healthy food is a core tenet of our mission to be the ultimate neighborhood grocery store," said Chenoa Philabaum, New Seasons Market Community Relations Program Manager. "We're thrilled to help our customers support their neighbors and give back to their communities, while shining a light on these amazing local organizations fighting to eradicate hunger."
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City Council Priority (Tobacco 21) Passes State Legislature
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Governor Inslee signing the Tobacco 21 bill; click for bill language
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The Mercer Island City Council identified Tobacco 21 - the effort to raise the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 years - as one of its
state legislative priorities
for 2019. This legislative effort,
House Bill 1074
, passed the Washington Legislature on March 27 and was signed by Governor Jay Inslee on April 5. Starting
January 1, 2020
, it will be illegal under Washington law to sell or give tobacco or vaping products to people under age 21.
"Access plays a role in youth decision making when it comes to addictive substance use, and we are encouraged that the State of Washington has taken this step to prevent youth use of nicotine products. We know that most adult nicotine users are addicted to tobacco products prior to their 21st birthday," said
Cindy Goodwin, Director of the City's Youth and Family Services Department (MIYFS). "Council's inclusion of public health measures such as 'Tobacco 21' in their legislative priorities is essential to communicating to our State government that health and wellbeing are policy issues that are important to our community."
Please contact MIYFS if you, or someone you know, are in need of addiction resources or support at (
206) 275-7611.
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