Staff: gross levy growth forecast 5.6% but circuit breaker will reduce net new revenue

City staff briefed the council on the preliminary budget outlook, telling members the gross growth in the levy base could be about 5.6% based on recent nonfarm payroll trends but that circuit‑breaker impacts will likely reduce actual new general‑fund revenue to roughly 4%.

The staff presentation said the state’s supplemental lift will deliver small one‑time increases to city funds, with the general fund receiving roughly $29,000, another line item receiving about $8,000, and public safety roughly $5,000. Staff cautioned that the gross percentage increase does not translate one‑for‑one into new spending capacity because circuit‑breaker credits will reduce collections.

A council member asked whether long‑term position decisions the staff referenced applied only to civil city budgets or to utilities as well; the councilmember identified himself as Bobby in the exchange and staff clarified the distinction applies to the civil city side, not utilities. Staff also noted the city’s circuit‑breaker exposure increased by more than $150,000 for the period discussed.

No budget adoption vote occurred at the meeting; staff provided the forecast for council consideration as the budget process continues.