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Ask the Budget Guy: FY2014-15

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1. When monitoring the budget, what would that define? What would be involved in monitoring of the budget? What are the procedures, protocols or reports that might substantiate monitoring of the budget?

The budget is monitored throughout the fiscal year by budget and accounting staff to review revenues and expenditures to date and project revenues and expenditures against budget for the remainder of the year. For the last nine months of the year, a monthly financial report is produced that tracks revenues and expenditures to date, as well as the percent of budget used for each item.

Departmental staff run ad hoc reports during the year to track the expenditures of their department and make adjustments as necessary. Departments have the budgetary authority to transfer budgets at will between individual line items within their department so long as the total authorized amount of the budget remains unchanged.

Budget adjustments are brought to council for approval periodically during the year to increase or decrease the budget or to transfer between funds.

2. I would like to see many more trees in Irving. Also, requesting an additional arborist and new equipment for the maintenance and upkeep of trees.

Comments have been forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Department.

3. I would like to see funding for a traffic study to add sheltered bicycle lanes to major thoroughfares to increase bicycle commuting. Estimated at $150,000 to $200,000.

The city is working to develop a master bike lane program. 

4. I would like to see funding for protected bike lanes, as well as an expansion of lanes in Valley Ranch.

The city is working to develop a master bike lane program.

5. Regarding the Master Plan for the city, what is the status of the repair of Pioneer Drive from Irving Heights to O'Connor Boulevard?

Pioneer Drive milling and overlay from O'Connor to Loop 12 is included in the current year budget.

6. Regarding charges for yard waste and brush pick up: (Full question in answer area.)

Q: Regarding charges for yard waste and brush pick up: The city charges residents for mulch, yet advertises/advises them to conserve water? We have conflicting values to resolve. There are solutions:

• Offer free mulch weekends (holidays) and place mulch pick up spots around town. For those without trucks, we should provide "fill your own" bags at a nominal charge.


• Encourage the use of compost and mulch (free pick-up days). Offer program to swap out regular mower blades for mulching blades.


• Contract out some of the parks’ maintenance to sponsors that will maintain the park at no expense to the city in return for posting their company or private name as the maintainer.


• For water rate increases, add costs here. Make a sliding scale to increase price per thousand based upon higher usages. Users should pay, unlike our socialized garbage pickup.

A: Comments have been forwarded to Solid Waste Services. The proposed budget does not include any changes to service levels.

7. The access is poor to Campion Trail on Nursery Road and Hunter Ferrell. Would also like to see Nursery widened or adding sidewalks where it changes to Hunter Farrell. Other cities have DART access.

Comments have been forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Department. 

8. Bicycling in the city is hazardous.

The city is working to develop a master bike lane program.

9. When will we make Southern Trail connections? Should we use sponsors here and perhaps for our parks too? (Full question in answer area.)

Q: When will we make Southern Trail connections? Should we use sponsors here and perhaps for our parks too? Why are all of the quarter-mile markers on the south stretch all marked 1/4, yet on northern stretch, they are cumulative?

A: Construction is under way to connect the southern section of Campion Trail system to Grand Prairie's trail system and the Delaware Creek trail. Funding is in the proposed budget for the TRE Trail along Rock Island from Irby St. to the DART West Irving Transit Center.

10. Requiring alarm permits is not right or just. Misusers and abusers should pay, not everyone with an alarm. Alternatively, over time, the city could waive fee for people that do not have false calls.

Comments have been forwarded to the Police Department.

11. Would like to see the budget include money to build the new YMCA. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: Would like to see the budget include money to build the new YMCA. Even if the school district cannot participate at this time, they can rent it on a pre-arranged basis. This is something that everyone in the city would benefit from.

A: Comments have been forwarded to city management and city staff.

12. The Irving Public Library System needs to have its budget increased in order to bring its books and media up to par. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: The Irving Public Library System needs to have its budget increased in order to bring its books and media up to par. Over the past six years, the first three years' library budget was reduced 2 percent each year, and then during the next three years, the budget has been flat. In the libraries, the average book is 11 years old and has been checked out 20 times. For 2014-15, the director, Chris Dobson, is asking for a 7 percent increase. Please consider this increase.

A: The proposed budget increases funding for library materials by 20 percent.

13. Would like the city to place adequate funds in the budget to rebuild the city pools that have been removed. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: Would like the city to place adequate funds in the budget to rebuild the city pools that have been removed. The pools were removed without the input or permission or knowledge of the citizens of Irving. The splash parks aren't acceptable substitutes for these areas, and these neighborhoods want community pools rebuilt.


A: Comments have been forwarded to City Council, city management and city staff.

14. Will there be increases to either the water or sewer (monthly service and monthly usage) for FY 2015?

Yes, a 6.3 percent increase for water and sewer rates is proposed for FY 2014-15. 

15. What is the expected property tax revenue for the upcoming FY2014-15 budget and what is the percentage increase from last year's budget? (Full question in answer area.)

Q: What is the expected property tax revenue for the upcoming FY2014-15 budget and what is the percentage increase from last year's budget? I understand the values are not certified by DCAD until end of July I believe; however I figured you would have an expected amount calculated.

A: We are increasing property tax revenues by 6.7 percent. The net increase from existing properties is $3.8 million, while $2 million is from new construction.

16. I do not favor a rebuilding Northwest Park Swimming Pool. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: I do not favor a rebuilding Northwest Park Swimming Pool. The cost of construction and the possible injury lawsuits are unreasonable, considering the other available water parks in Irving. Please do not mirror the federal government policy of over-spending the means of persons paying the bill. Consider allowing private water park ownership - good for business and residents.


A: Comments have been forwarded to city management and city staff.

17. Reduce property taxes.

Comments have been forwarded to City Council, city management and city staff.

18. I know that the Fire Department placed an ambulance at Station 1 for a month to see how the run volume was handled. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: I know that the Fire Department placed an ambulance at Station 1 for a month to see how the run volume was handled. The ambulance was placed in service at peak demand times, but I believe from conversations that the call volume was such that another ambulance should be funded for that portion of town. I recommend funding and staffing an additional ambulance and let the fire administration determine where it is most needed for maximum coverage.


A: Cost information was provided to city council as part of the budget retreat. Funding of the ambulance was not included in the proposed budget.

19. There is no street lighting between Pleasant Run Road and Las Brisas Drive on Walnut Hill Lane. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: There is no street lighting between Pleasant Run Road and Las Brisas Drive on Walnut Hill Lane. This is an area of multifamily apartments. The bus stops are on the opposite side of the street from the residences, with no crosswalks. Between Las Brisas Drive and Story, there is adequate lighting. This is an especially hazardous situation once school begins, and it’s dark in the early mornings. Please assess the situation.


A: This has been forwarded to the Streets Department.

20. My understanding that establishments, whether commercial or residential, with an active water account are charged a monthly sanitation fee. Is this understanding correct?

Yes. 

21. How many dumpsters provided by commercial dumpster vendors are in use in the City of Irving?

The city does not collect this information. 

22. How many businesses with commercial dumpsters services also have access to curbside collection services?

Curbside service is available to all businesses. The city does not track which businesses have private dumpster service.

23. Why do commercial establishments that do not use the city’s curbside collection services have the monthly charge for service that cannot and do not have access to use?

Irving City Ordinance Chapter 33, Section 15, requires that all commercial water meter accounts pay a minimum refuse charge per month. Irving City Ordinance Chapter 33, Section 16 stipulates this charge is billed to each account “even if the city service that is available is not used.” While this charge primarily funds the collection and disposal operation, it also funds additional services which benefit the commercial customer. The following are some of the reasons this charge is assessed:

a) Solid Waste Services provides for twice per week collection of up to 5 refuse bags per day, twice per week. For an additional cost, collection of up to 20 bags per collection day, and a collection frequency of up to 5 days per week is available.

b) Refuse collection crews drive and collect refuse from virtually every street in the city. The crews collect all refuse which is placed on the curb. There is currently no mechanism in place to distinguish who pays a refuse charge and who does not, therefore all customers are billed.

c) In order to provide curbside collection service, a minimum staffing and equipment inventory is required. Revenue generated by the sanitation refuse charge is necessary to fund this operation.

d) Commercial customers are entitled to brush collection service on a 10 to 12 day cycle. Businesses who have landscaped grounds can trim their trees, place the brush on the curb, and have it collected by the Sanitation brush crew at no additional cost.

e) A portion of the sanitation monthly fee is applied towards maintaining the City of Irving Sanitary Landfill which commercial customers have access to.

f) Commercial customers can receive technical information and assistance in the design and location of dumpster pads and enclosures relevant to new construction. Commercial customers can draw upon the expertise of the commercial collection personnel in helping to solve solid waste disposal problems with existing facilities.

24. What is the amount of revenue collected related to the 5 to 6 percent franchise fees paid to the city by the commercial dumpster vendors licensed to do business in Irving?

Solid waste franchise fees generated $694,856 in revenue '12-'13 fiscal year.

25. Would like an accounting of the sales tax collected (revenue stream) from taxable services provided by the commercial dumpster vendors.

As with any other vendor who provides goods or services subject to the state sales tax, the city remits the 6.25 percent collected for state sales tax and 1 percent for DART to the state comptroller's office. The city retains its 1 percent share of the sales tax and deposits those funds into the general fund. 

26. If the proposed rate increases for water and sewer are approved, what is the anticipated increase in revenue as a result of these increases, line item by line item.

The increase in revenue from water sales is $3.655 million. The increase in revenue from sewer sales is projected to be $1.944 million.

27. How many acres is Twin Wells? I am opposed to watering the course during a drought. Would rather have a shopping center on that land instead. People in South Irving would like shopping instead of golf

The property is located in flood plain and cannot be developed. 

28. As a resident of the City of Irving, I am for using trash bins. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: As a resident of the City of Irving, I am for using trash bins. One of the many reasons is the animals digging through our trash bags and leaving a mess for us to pick up. Many other reasons could be listed. I hope we can go through with change sooner than later.


A:Comments have been forward to City Council and city management and staff.

29. In the original 8/8/14 proposed budget papers, on Page CIP-38, the GF Non Bond Fund Balance @ 9/30/14 is estimated to be $2,276,421. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: In the original 8/8/14 proposed budget papers, on Page CIP-38, the GF Non Bond Fund Balance @ 9/30/14 is estimated to be $2,276,421. On page B-1 of the 8/21/14 Retreat Handbook, the Fund Balance at 9/30/14 shows to be $6,817,569. What is the detail of the increase in fund balance of $4,541,148 at 9/30/14?


A: The difference in the fund balance for the '13-'14 fiscal year is what we estimate we will have on hand (in cash) at the end of the fiscal year. The amount of fund balance shown on page CIP 38 shows only the amount of fund balance not allocated to projects.

30. Same question for 9/30/15 where page CIP-38 of original budget shows balance of only $317 but on page B-1 of 8/21/14 Retreat Handbook, balance shows $6,800,000. (Full question in answer area.)

Q: Same question for 9/30/15 where page CIP-38 of original budget shows balance of only $317 but on page B-1 of 8/21/14 Retreat Handbook, balance shows $6,800,000. What are the details of the increase over $317 at 9/30/15?


A: As explained in question 1 the difference in fund balance in budget retreat summary page B-1 and CIP page 38 of the budget document is the amount of fund balance allocated to projects. On the budget documents the full cost of the project is deducted from available balance to insure that all authorized projects have sufficient funding identified.

31. On page B-1 of the 8/21/14 Retreat Handbook, what is the detail of "Other Funds" balance of $1,236,290 at 9/30/14?

The Other Fund line in the fund balance summary includes the following: Six Sigma savings fund, Former Stadium Site Fund, Utility Rate Case Fund, Compensated Absences Fund.

32. On page B-1 of 8/21/14 Retreat Handbook, why do GF "Total Expenditures" for 2013-14 show $203,357,729? (Full question in answer area.)

Q: On page B-1 of 8/21/14 Retreat Handbook, why do GF "Total Expenditures" for 2013-14 show $203,357,729 which is $19,388,116 MORE than the Estimated 2013-14 GF Total Expenditures of $183,969,611 shown on page B-3 also the same GF expenditure number shown in the original budget papers of 8/8/14?


A: The General Fund Expenditures shown on page B-3 are for the General Fund only. When calculating the total number of days of fund balances available on B-1, the total amount of fund balances across all General Fund components must be compared against the projected expenditures of all the other funds. The inclusion of those expenditures in the fund balance calculation account for the difference in expenditures on pages B-1 and B-3.

33. Same question for 2014-15 which shows on page B-1 $214,566,878 Total GF expenditures which is $19,277,027 MORE than expenditures shown on page B-3 of $195,339,851. Why the difference?

The General Fund Expenditures shown on page B-3 are for the General Fund only. When calculating the total number of days of fund balances available on B-1, the total amount of fund balances across all General Fund components must be compared against the projected expenditures of all the other funds. The inclusion of those expenditures in the fund balance calculation account for the difference in expenditures on pages B-1 and B-3.

34. What is to be included In Budget Adjustment #4 to the 2013-14 Budget to be submitted for approval in September? (Full question in answer area.)

Q: What is to be included In Budget Adjustment #4 to the 2013-14 Budget to be submitted for approval in September, other than transferring the $1,000,000 from the Six Sigma Fund to the General Fund? Am I correct that this $1,000,000 transfer will increase the GF Fund Balance at 9/30/14 up to $31,907,411 from $30,907,411 as shown in the current budget papers?

A: Budget Adjustment 4 will include the following items:

a) Transfer fund balance from the Six Sigma Fund to General Fund to close out that fund


b) Transfer fund balance from the Water and Sewer Rate Stabilization Fund to the Water and Sewer Non-Bond CIP Fund to close out this fund and allocate the funds to the SH 183 widening project in lieu of anticipated bond issuance for the project in FY 2015-16.


c) Adjustments of several capital and debt fund budgets to reflect actual revenues and expenditures during the current fiscal year.


d) Allocation of current year General Fund savings to the Non-Bond CIP fund for one time projects and equipment purchases requested during the FY 2014-15 budget process.


e) Transfer of funds from General Fund to the Property and Casualty Insurance fund to cover increased expenditures during the current year.


f) Separation of the Entertainment Venue fund into two separate funds to track commitments before and after the ARK agreement separately.

Yes, the transfer from the Six Sigma Fund to General Fund will increase the General Fund projected fund balance.