DEPARTMENT: Office of Management and Budget
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Maria Villagomez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
City Council Worksession on the FY 2016 Proposed Budget
SUMMARY:
Staff presentation on the FY 2016 Proposed Budget focusing on, but not limited to, the following City Departments:
A. Transportation and Capital Improvements Department
B. Debt Management Plan
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The FY 2016 Proposed Budget was presented to the Mayor and City Council on August 6, 2015. The FY 2016 Proposed Budget reflects City Council policy direction and community priorities. The Budget decreases the City’s property tax rate, increases funding to streets and sidewalks, and maintains public safety spending below 66% of the General Fund. Additionally, budgeted financial reserves are maintained at 15% of General Fund revenues. The budget proposal does not recommend any layoffs of uniform or civilian employees.
The Proposed Consolidated Annual Budget, comprised of all funds excluding transfers, totals $2.5 billion. The General Fund budget is $1.1 billion; restricted funds, including Aviation, Development Services, and Solid Waste, total $780 million; and the FY 2016 Capital Budget is $670 million.
Following the presentation of the proposed budget a series of city council budget worksessions are scheduled from August 11 to September 9. At these sessions City staff will review the budget proposals with the Mayor and City Council in detail. The budget is scheduled to be adopted on September 10 for the City’s fiscal year that begins on October 1.
ISSUE:
A budget Worksession is scheduled for Tuesday August 11, 2015 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 PM at the Municipal Plaza “B” Room. At this session, the City Council will be presented with the FY 2016 Proposed Budget for the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department Operating Budget, the Capital Budget and Debt Management Plan.
Transportation and Capital Improvement
Transportation and Capital Improvement is responsible for developing and maintaining an advanced infrastructure system to meet the needs of the growing community. The Department also manages infrastructure programs within the Advanced Transportation District, Storm Water Regional Facilities, Storm Water Operations, and Right of Way Management operations.
The Proposed Budget for Transportation and Capital Improvements is funded from the General Fund and Restricted Funds. Below is a summary of the funding and position counts included within the FY 2016 Proposed Budget.
|
FUND |
FY 2016 PROPOSED BUDGET |
AUTHORIZED POSITIONS |
|
General Fund |
$79,498,576 |
340 |
|
Advanced Transportation District Fund |
16,935,421 |
24 |
|
Right of Way Fund |
2,811,031 |
28 |
|
Stormwater Operating Fund |
47,403,067 |
267 |
|
Stormwater Regional Facilities |
5,753,651 |
12 |
|
Capital Improvements Management Services Fund |
20,252,215 |
174 |
|
Total |
$172,653,961 |
845 |
General Fund
The Transportation and Capital Improvements General Fund FY 2016 Proposed Budget of $79,498,576. This budget funds maintenance of the City’s major infrastructure including streets, traffic signals, street signs, and pothole repair.
The Proposed Budget adds $23 million to enhance Street Maintenance, increasing the Streets budget from $41 million to $64 million. The Budget also includes an enhancement of $925,218 for pothole repairs that will address 34,000 potholes compared to today’s 25,000 potholes.
Advanced Transportation District Fund
The FY 2016 Proposed Budget includes $16,935,421 to fund the Advanced Transportation District (ATD) program which delivers projects that increase mobility, reduce traffic congestion, improve neighborhood connectivity, leverage resources, and provide coordinating planning. This fund is supported by a 1/4 cent sales tax that was approved by voters in November 2004.
The Proposed Budget includes $15 million for sidewalk improvements, $5 million of which is funded through the ATD program and $10 million through the capital program.
Right of Way
The FY 2016 Proposed Budget for the Right of Way Fund is $2,811,031 for the upkeep of the right-of-way portions of San Antonio roadways. This fund is supported by the Right of Way Fees, which are paid by right-of-way users (those who cut through City streets to access underground utilities) including, but not limited to, SAWS, CPS and telecommunication companies.
The Proposed Budget includes an improvement of $731,959 and authorizes 8 positions for inspection of major utility projects, two of which are dedicated to support deployment of fiber optic networks.
Storm Water Operating Fund
The FY 2016 Proposed Budget for the Storm Water Operating Fund is $47,403,067. The Proposed Budget includes $32.1 million for operating operational services including street sweeping, vegetation management, flood control, and compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality permit requirements.
The Proposed Budget includes a restructure of the monthly Storm Water Utility Fee. The current rate structure is based on lot size and land use. The proposed rate structure would be based on the amount of impervious cover on a property to more accurately reflect a property’s impact on the drainage system. The new rate structure will collect $3,652,611 in additional revenue, and would be effective January 2016.
The Proposed Budget adds $2,294,116 for increased mowing cycles in the right of way or drainage channels, maintenance of High Water Detection signals, street sweeping and tunnel maintenance. These improvements will authorize an additional 11 positions for the Storm Water Operating Fund.
Storm Water Regional Facilities
The Storm Water Regional Facilities Fund provides for development plan review and overall regional detention planning. The fund utilizes a Fee In-Lieu-of (FILO) payment system for developers in-lieu-of onsite detention as a storm water mitigation option. With these funds, the City manages and constructs regional detention ponds to ensure the protection and quality of the regional water supply in development areas. The FY 2016 Proposed Budget is $5,753,651.
Capital Improvements Management Services
The Capital Improvements Management Services Fund FY 2016 Proposed Budget of $20,252,215 provides resources necessary to complete and deliver the 2012 - 2017 Bond Program and major capital projects such as the Convention Center Expansion, Consolidated Rental Car Facility at San Antonio International Airport, and Alamodome renovations.
The FY 2016 Proposed Budget includes $81,722 in efficiencies and reduces 1 position within the fund.
Capital Budget and Debt Plan
The six-year Capital Improvements Plan includes 281 projects and represents the City's long range physical infrastructure development and improvements plan. The FY 2016 Proposed Capital Budget allocates $670 million to major infrastructure improvements in San Antonio with 24% dedicated to streets and sidewalks. Funding also is included for the Convention Center Expansion, construction of a Consolidated Rental Car Facility at the airport, and renovations at the Alamodome.
Attachment I provides details for all improvement, reductions, and mandates that are included in the FY 2016 Proposed Budget for the Transportation and Capital Improvements Department.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is a scheduled worksession for the FY 2016 Proposed Budget.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a presentation of major initiatives within the Transportation & Capital Improvements Department. The FY 2016 Budget is scheduled to be adopted by City Council on September 10, 2015.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is a worksession for discussion of the FY 2016 Proposed Budget and is for briefing purposes only.