Friday, July 3, 2009

City of Oshkosh 2010 Budget Picture

Link to July 3 Oshkosh Northwestern article, "City of Oshkosh cuts $700,000 from budget".

Excerpt: The biggest hit to many municipalities will be the decision to cut state shared revenue. The 2.8 percent reduction will amount to $306,090 less in aid from the state, said finance director Peggy Steeno.

"That's our second largest revenue source after property taxes," City Manager Mark Rohloff said. "That money has been basically frozen since 1995, was cut back in 2001 and now this is cutting it even more."

The budget also requires municipalities to contribute more to the Wisconsin Retirement System, which will amount to at least $250,000, likely more, from Oshkosh's coffers, Steeno said. Winnebago County estimates the city will pay about $140,000 next year as a result of an increase in the state garbage tax that was also included in the budget.

Rohloff is unsure what, at this point, will need to be cut, but is asking departments to prioritize services to get an idea of what's most important to the city. He has directed city department heads to start work on their 2010 budgets as soon as they return to work from the long weekend.

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