The proposed operating budget for the town of Mancos in fiscal year 2014 tops out at more than $1.6 million, up 8 percent from 2013.
Nearly half of the town's proposed overall 2014 budget, nearly $770,000, is tentatively allocated for staff wages, up 5 percent from the previous year. Planned funding for sewer operations is expected to see a double-digit percentage increase to more than $335,000.
"The balanced budget estimates that revenues will meet expenditures," said Town Administrator Andrea Phillips. "Nearly 75 percent of the revenues for the general fund are from sales, property and other taxes."
Phillips said revenues in the water and sewer enterprise fund are almost entirely derived from user fees.
The proposed 2014 capital-improvement budget totals $265,600, which includes an upgrade to the town's website.
"The website will provide a better user experience, and assist the town in sharing critical information with citizens," she said.
Under state law, the board must adopt the budget by Dec. 15. Phillips said opportunities for public input into the budget would become available in coming weeks.
Town trustees are slated to address the proposed budget at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Town Hall.
Other items listed on the trustee's agenda include engineering services for a new water tank, the upcoming mail-in ballot election and a Planning and Zoning Department request to adopt a formula for commercial business restrictions.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com