Sales tax receipts up 14.5 percent in city

The Liberty Lake City Council discussed its 2012 budget at its meeting Tuesday.

City Clerk Ann Swenson said each department head discussed their accomplishments in 2011 and their goals for 2012.

In 2011, the police department worked on the installation of an upgrade to its radio system. It hired two new officers, implemented a Facebook page and obtained two new vehicles.

In 2012, it hopes to hire two new reserve officers, decrease traffic collisions that are not weather-related, and continue its training. It also plans to certify additional bike patrol officers, adding more safety presentations at the elementary school and seek grant funding for its equipment needs.

The department also proposed the purchase of a new vehicle.

At the library, goals for the upcoming year include supporting the resources of the Jobs and Career Center with programming from the Chamber of Commerce and other partners and finding grants to fund programming for early childhood literacy skills and pre-math skills.

According to the mayor’s proposed budget from the last meeting, sales tax revenue in the city has increased by 14.5 percent compared to a year ago. The mayor also proposed reducing the 6 percent utility tax to 3 percent in 2012.

It included $160,000 for a new city administrator. This position may be filled whether or not voters approve Proposition 1, next week which would replace the city’s current strong mayor/council form of government with a city administrator-led form.

The next City Council meeting will include its first public hearing regarding the proposed budget, a resolution to set the property taxes for 2012 and the first read of the budget ordinance for 2012.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Nov. 15.