SANDPOINT — With the theme of "A Framework for the Future," City Council members adopted the 2018-2019 city budget of $44,538,939 on Wednesday.

The theme of the budget stems from a strategic planning process the city embarked on over the past two years, which culminated in the adoption of a two-year strategic plan in July.

"The priorities within that strategic plan were built into our budget planning," said City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton during the Aug. 1 council meeting.

The five broad priorities listed in the strategic plan are responsive government, resilient economy, sustainable environment, vibrant culture and livable community.

The final budget contained one change from the last version presented to council on Aug. 1. City treasurer Sarah Lynds said the budget was reduced by $204 due to a change in new construction roles, however the $204 was reallocated, so the total budget amount remained unchanged. 

Some of the larger capital projects budgeted for Public Works in 2019 include the second phase of the downtown revitalization project at $3,428,650, sewer projects at $6,956,000, and water projects at $2,477,500. Sewer projects include approximately $3 million in improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, as well as installment of a sewer line up North Boyer in anticipation of future development in the area. The largest capital improvement in the Parks and Recreation budget is for Memorial Field at $3,314,173. About $2 million is budgeted specifically for turf improvements at the field.

Stapleton said the city anticipates receiving $3,377,872 in grant funding in 2019, as well as $5,562,922 in funding from the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency for projects such as the downtown revitalization project. Water and sewer reserves are budgeted as revenue at about $6.5 million.

Local business owner Anita Aurit spoke during Wendesday's public hearing, noting that she is "gravely concerned" over the amount of this year's budget, comparing it to the county budget of $54 million, which is down from $59 million. She also asked about the money being held in the Business Improvement District fund, as the BID was dissolved nearly a year ago.

During the July 18 meeting, Stapleton was posed with a similar question and said the $160,000 in the fund is “cash on hand” and must be reported in the budget. The BID fund is being used for water and fertilization of the flower basket program this summer, she said. In working with the businesses, Stapleton said staff intends to come back to council with a grant program for use of the fund.

Aurit said she didn't want to end on a negative note and praised the city for its transparency in that she can go online and view the budget details. The full document can be viewed on the city's website at sandpointidaho.gov. Details about the city's financials are also uploaded monthly into a financial transparency website, which launched late last year, at bit.ly/2KZ26vu.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.