City of Wichita finishes 2012 with budget surplus
The city of Wichita finished 2012 with a budget surplus of just over $200,000, according to a report presented to the city council this week.
City finance director Kelly Carpenter said there are some positive economic signs, including higher sales tax revenues and an increase in franchise fees. Most city revenues were flat in 2012, with a slight growth in property tax revenues, mainly because of the collection of delinquent payments. Carpenter is expecting property tax revenues to be flat this year, with a 2 percent increase projected for 2014.
Carpenter's report said the city's golf courses had an increase in rounds, in spite of a $1 increase in green fees last year. She said the city's golf system has been able to pay its debts.
The city is facing higher salary costs this year and in 2014, because of some positions that have been filled in city government, she said.
Carpenter said she's cautiously optimistic about the city's economic picture as staff begins the process of putting together a city budget for 2014.
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