Council adopts 2017-18 budget
At the Dec. 5 Mercer Island City Council meeting, the council adopted the final budget for the next two years.
Mercer Island’s budget conversation has revolved around the city’s “structural imbalance” (annual revenue growth is not keeping pace with annual expenditure growth) and the possibility of a levy lid lift, which would go before voters next fall.
The council plans to have a community conversation about the city’s operating and capital needs next year. In the meantime, the budget has a “contra” of to $849,081, about 2.6 percent of the General Fund and Youth and Family Services Fund budgets in 2018.
Council member Dan Grausz said that it might be possible to use monies in the city’s Criminal Justice fund to bridge gaps in the General Fund, per a decision by the state Legislature in 2010. The money would still have to be used on criminal justice, and the city’s police budget falls under the General Fund umbrella.
The council agreed to look into the issue, as well as determining if the city’s Development Services Group (DSG) budget should be separate from other funds, at its upcoming planning session.
Finance Director Chip Corder predicted a 2016 surplus of about $1.35 million, which could also potentially be used to help cover the projected deficit in 2018.
For more, see www.mercergov.org/CouncilMeetings.
Next council meeting is cancelled
The Mercer Island City Council’s Dec. 19 meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 (due to the New Year’s holiday) at City Hall Council Chambers, 9611 SE 36th St.
Firefighters boost city’s food bank
Mercer Island firefighters recently conducted their annual food drive, organized by Union Local 1762. The seven-hour event at the North and South QFCs hauled in 96 large crates of donated food that will help stock the shelves of the city’s Food Pantry this season. An additional $1,494 in collected cash will be used to purchase fresh produce and perishable foods for those in need.
The Food Pantry is run by the city’s Department of Youth and Family Services (MIYFS), averages over 100 visits each month and is used by families year round. If you wish to hold a food drive, please contact MIYFS at 206-275-7611.
City seeks donations for Island Crest Park renovation
In 2014, the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation (MIPR) Department was awarded a $500,000 grant through the State’s Recreation and Conservation Office for the renovation of Island Crest Park. The grant will help pay for the replacement of the existing antiquated lighting system and the conversion of the entire south field to synthetic turf, but it requires $150,000 in donations from the community. MIPR needs citizen help to make this project a reality, allowing for year-round play for Mercer Islanders and other regional athletes.
Supporters can mail a check to: MI Parks and Recreation, 2040 84th Ave. SE (attn: ICP Project), or use the PayPal link on this page to donate. Please click on “special instructions to seller” to note your wish to direct the funds to the Island Crest Park Project.
Islanders help environment at fall recycling event
The city held its annual fall recycling collection event at the Boat Launch on Nov. 5, with impressive numbers.
The city’s contractor reported 733 vehicles arrived, carrying a total of 96,673 pounds of discarded material, which averages to 113 pounds each, comparable to other previous events. The event also provided a collection opportunity for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. Attendees donated 1,320 pounds of items for the city’s Food Pantry, and $3,088 in cash.
Some highlights this year included:
– 31,500 pounds of appliances, scrap metal, and electronics
– 9,540 pounds of reusable household goods
– 6,820 household batteries
– 66 used tires
– 17,250 pounds of confidential paper shredded onsite
– 10,920 pounds of cardboard
– 45 cubic yards of Styrofoam
– 3,000 pounds of scrap wood
Learn more about curbside recycling and other options at www.mercergov.org/page.asp?navid=2233.
