Wellington budget will hold line on spending

October 7, 2009

By JoAn Bjarko

The Wellington

Wellington’s town administrator, Larry Lorentzen, said town revenue to support government services will be flat in 2010, so the upcoming budget will be fairly similar to this year’s.

The Wellington (Colorado ) Town Board gets its first look at budget projections on Oct. 13 at a 6:30 p.m. work session. Community members who want to make suggestions for expenditures should contact board members or town hall before the meeting.

Last December, the town board approved a budget of $9.19 million to operate town government in 2009. To support those expenses, it had to dip into its accumulated fund balances for $3.79 million.

Lorentzen said in a recent interview that the finance director is still working on income projections from property taxes, sales taxes, building permits and other sources to determine what additional funds may have to come from fund balances next year.

The town administrator said he plans to retain the same number of employees but will recommend no cost-of-living increase for salaries. Lorentzen said he will also recommend that the board authorize merit increases up to 2 percent.

The town board renewed Lorentzen’s contract in August with no salary increase. He is paid $93,392 a year.

For several years, Wellington has budgeted $2 million for the potential purchase of an additional water source. That money will not be spent this year, and it will again be included in next year’s budget, Lorentzen said.

The town is currently soliciting bids from consultants to prepare a design for Buffalo Creek Park. Bids are due Oct. 14. Lorentzen said the work session will include discussion about getting started on some smaller projects at Buffalo Creek Park. The town installed batting cages there last year at a cost of $226,700.

Few capital improvement projects will be included in the 2010 budget, Lorentzen said, but the town will look at small projects that can be completed by the public works or parks department.

The town board is scheduled to hold its final hearing on the budget and adopt it on Dec. 8. Those wanting to send comments to board members by e-mail will find their addresses online at www.townofwellington.com/links.asp. Residents may also mail comments to Town of Wellington, P.O. Box 127, Wellington CO 80549.