For Your Information Consolidated Sales Tax Update
October 23, 2008
Two recent articles in the Las Vegas Review-Journal have highlighted budget issues related to shortfalls in the Consolidated Sales Tax (CST) receipts in the cities of Henderson and Las Vegas. The finance department has been closely monitoring Boulder City’s CST receipts, and can report that we have received 24.3%, which equals $2,115,924 of the $8,725,000 coming from CST, of our budgeted CST for the first quarter of this fiscal year. In Fiscal Year 2007-08, the City budgeted approximately $8.8 million in CST and actually received just under $8.5 million in CST or 96.1% of its estimated CST, which ended June 30, 2008. Because the consolidated tax did not meet the projected budget figure last year, this year's budget (FY 09) projected a little over $8.7M in consolidated tax. At this point in the year, we are on track to meet our budget projections. The City’s projections are running very close to the actual revenue being received and Boulder City is in a good financial position. The most significant milestone will be when the City receives the second quarter consolidated tax payment in January because it will be a huge indicator as to whether or not the consolidated tax revenues have leveled or whether they will continue to decline. While Boulder City’s financial position is on target with the budget today, the City will continue to closely monitor all expenses and revenues and provide periodic updates regarding its financial position. At this point, the City Manager is not anticipating any significant changes in City operations. A positive spot is that the City has signed new solar energy lease contracts, which were not included in the budget projections for this year. The new lease revenue could help fill some of the gaps should the consolidated tax revenue continue to decline. However, in the long term, Boulder City needs to generate reliable revenue so it is less dependent upon consolidated tax. Give the instability of our economy, every local government is vulnerable. Recycling With the Blind Center of Nevada Recently, the City Council approved donating the City’s obsolete and/or inoperable computers, monitors, printers, network equipment, cables and other technological waste items to the Blind Center of Nevada. The Blind Center of Nevada offers a responsible, environmentally sound solution to government, business and individuals in handling and solving what they term “e-waste” issues. The center also creates meaningful employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired citizens in southern Nevada. The income generated from this endeavor supports
other programs and services for blind and visually impaired members of the community. And last, but certainly, not least, this program keeps electronic and technology waste out of Nevada’s landfills. Shortly after the new year, the Rotary Club of Boulder City will use the services of the Blind Center of Nevada in order that residents may drop off their “e-waste” right here in town. Watch this column and the City’s web calendar for the date. Burn Prevention
From Fire Fighter Bill Wilson
Each year in the United States, more than one million burn injuries require medical attention. Of these, approximately 4,500 of the injured die and up to 10,000 people die every year from burn-related infections. A large percentage of these burn statistics involve injury from flammable liquid vapors. Take extra precaution in storing and using flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint thinner etc. They produce invisible explosive vapors. The Boulder City Fire Department would like you to consider the following safety tips: - Store flammable liquids outside the house - Store on high shelves out of the reach of children - Store away from ignition sources such as gas appliances - Never store in the trunk of vehicles - Store gasoline in approved/labeled containers - Make sure all containers are tightly sealed - Never use gasoline as a cleaner - Never refuel a lawnmower when the engine is hot - Always ground any gas can when filling up at a gas pump For answers to other questions you may have relating to this subject, contact the Boulder City Fire Department at 293-9228. Landfill Recycling Facts Commercial Cardboard Recycling – When Waste Logistics, doing business as Boulder Disposal, took over operation of the landfill in January 1, 2005, there were only 23 commercial customers using cardboard recycling. In 2008, there are now 78 commercial customers using cardboard recycling with bins provided free of charge by Boulder Disposal. This is a 239% increase in cardboard recycling.
Residential Recycling- From 2005 to the present, Boulder Disposal has a residential participation rate of 28%. The company purchased 6,000 baskets to accommodate the residents. There are baskets left, so please, call Boulder Disposal at 293-2276 if you would like a basket. Recycling Rate –This rate is figured by taking the total of recyclables divided by the municipal solid waste put in the landfill. Currently, Boulder City’s recycling rate is between 11-13 %. The more we recycle, the less waste goes into the landfill and the higher our recycling rate. According to Finance Director Tim Inch and Landfill Manager Robert Martello, the Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed Boulder City the highest recycler in Clark County. Despite this accomplishment, the City is exploring even better recycling programs. Contact Information • • • • • • Mayor Roger Tobler: rlt8@msn.com. Phone number: 294-0632. Mayor pro tem Mike Pacini: pacini@cox.net. Phone number: 293-5615. Council Member Andrea Anderson: andrea.anderson@csn.edu Phone number: 2933228. Council Member Travis Chandler: travischandler@hotmail.com. Phone number: 412-5047. Council Member Linda Strickland: lgstrickland@embarqmail.com. Phone number: 493-8076. City Manager Vicki Mayes: vmayes@bcnv.org. Phone number: 293-9202.