Revenue is down a bit from projections, and spending is up a tad, but neither trend is particularly serious, according to city Finance Director Ralph Eells.
Eells will spell out the city’s financial status in greater detail at a special council workshop at 7 p.m. June 24 in City Hall.
“We have enough money to do everything the council put in the budget for the year, but maybe not enough money for some of the additions the council would like to make,” Eells said.
Revenue is off for the first five months of the year, but only to the tune of $20,000 – an enormous improvement from the $500,000 shortfall shown in the first three months of the year.
“People were slow paying their property taxes this year,” Eells said.
“Right now, the shortfall comes from the fact that the council talked about raising building permit fees, but hasn’t actually done so, and we still have a moratorium on subdivisions,” he said.
– John Waldo
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***Street bazaar starts today
The Madison Street Bazaar opens today at a new location on the grounds of the Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation on Winslow Way, across from Winslow Green.
On sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be an array of antiques and collectibles, Joi de Vie jewelry, children’s clothing, handmade soaps, home and garden accessories, and one-of-a kind gift baskets.
Some proceeds from the bazaar, which runs Saturdays throughout the summer, will benefit the foundation, which teaches job and personal skills to local special needs clients.
New vendors are welcome; contact Mary at (360) 779-4700, or Barbara at (360) 638-1941 for more information.
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***Help get your lawns off drugs
The Natural Landscapes Project is looking for volunteers to get-togethers this summer and fall designed to educate neighbors and friends on chemical-free lawn and garden care.
These informal backyard socials are a chance to have some fun and share strategies ideas about safe and effective yard care.
You provide the venue, and the project coordinators will supply educational materials and expertise on how to create a toxics-free Bainbridge.
For more information on becoming a neighborhood host, call Natural Landscapes Project coordinators Cara Cruickshank at 842-8504, or Bobbie Morgan at 842-4815.
