Petersburg administrators have drafted a balanced, general fund budget which keeps city services and staff at current levels. That’s according to Petersburg City Manager Steve Giesbrect, who recently released the spending plan. At just over nine million dollars, the General fund covers departments that can’t pay for themselves, like the city administration, the library, public works and emergency services. Utilities and other fee-based infrastructure like Petersburg Power and Light, water and sewer, and the harbor are known as enterprise funds. For the most part, they’re in the black as well. The exception is Mountain View Manor Assisted Living, though that facility is doing better. The City council will soon start its annual series of work sessions to review the budget and recommend cuts or additions. Matt Lichtenstein spoke with Giesbrecht about the draft plan.
The Council has scheduled four public worksessions to review the various parts of the draft budget. The Schedule is:
• Wednesday, April 18, Noon –General and Motor Pool Funds to be addressed
• Monday, April 23, Noon – Harbor and Power & Light Funds to be addressed
• Tuesday, April 24, Noon – Sanitation, Water, Wastewater and Mt. View Manor Funds to be addressed
• Wednesday, April 25, Noon – School and Economic Development Council budgets
