Politics & Government

Town and Country Planning 2012 City Budget

The Town and Country Board of Aldermen is examining the city's proposed 2012 fiscal year budget. A vote is possible at the next board meeting.

The Town and Country Board of Aldermen is examining the city's proposed 2012 fiscal year budget.

City Financial Director Betty Cotner presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget to aldermen Monday night. 

Cotner said the city's total budgeted expenditures is $14,418,260 and total revenues is $14,053,750 for FY 2012. Sales tax makes up the majority of city's revenue, with utility taxes second in line and licenses and permit costs coming in third.

Find out what's happening in Town And Country-Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, Cotner said there is a two percent increase in general fund revenues from FY 2011's $9,009,982 to $9,195,260 in 2012. There is also a 5.96 percent decrease in general fund expenditures from FY 2011's $9,755,246 to $9,173,590 for 2012. The general fund is the city's operating budget.

The ending general fund balance is almost six times the city's required reserve level for 2012. The city requires the reserves to be 25 percent of budgeted expenditures.

Find out what's happening in Town And Country-Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This year, however, the general fund reserve balance is going to decline by $745,000 by Dec. 31 which is the end of FY 2011. The City of Town and Country requires a minimum general fund reserve of 25 percent of annual general fund projected expenditures. For the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2011 the general fund reserve balance is estimated to decline by approximately $745,000.

"This year we are $750,000 into our own pocket," Mayor Jon Dalton explained. "So we are upside down." 

However, the proposed FY 2012 general fund budget will increase, leaving city with an approximate $21,000 surplus.

"We are cutting it close," Dalton said.

Total expenditures for the FY 2012 Budget are $14,418,260. That total breaks down as follows:

  • $9,173,590 - General Fund
  • $2,690,190 - Road Fund
  • $1,538,220 - Capital Improvements
  • $952,960 - Parks and Stormwater Fund
  • $63,300 - Security and Training Fund

Although, the city took a hit in 2009 when Walmart left Town and Country and moved to Manchester Highlands. City Administrator John Copeland said new additions to the city including the Town and Country Crossing shopping center, particularly the addition of the store, have contributed to helping the city catch up financially. Copeland also said the renegotiated fire and ambulance service agreement with and the dispatch agreement with Central County Dispatch have significantly contributed to getting the city back on track.

Cotner said in 2012 the city will spend $3.5 million for fire and ambulance services. That cost is down from recent years, mainly due to the West County EMS and Fire Protection District renegotiated contract which cut the city's cost by $500,000. The city is also spending $100,000 less for fire and ambulance dispatch service with Central County Dispatch due to a new contract.

Cotner said there are some other highlights from the proposed budget.

  • $2,150,000 will be spent on the
  • $16,050 will go toward improvements
  • $500,000 will be spent on stormwater projects
  • Proptery taxes remain at zero percent for 2012
  • Town and Country sales tax is budgeted to be flat for 2012 and the same is expected from St. Louis Country for 2012

A vote is possible on the 2012 budget at the next board meeting on Monday, Nov. 28.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Town And Country-Manchester