| City manager says budget reflects top priorities By KEN HUNT The City of Fontana has met or exceeded all expectations during the past several years and has successfully positioned itself to continue this trend for many years to come.
The proposed operating budget for the City of Fontana, the Fontana Redevelopment Agency, and the Fontana Housing Authority for fiscal year 2006-2007 reflects an organization whose top priorities continue to be:
-- Economic development
-- Investment in infrastructure
-- Public safety
-- Community based recreational and cultural services
-- Innovation with productivity enhancing equipment
-- Legislative advocacy
-- Long-term fiscal stability
Here are highlights and goals for 2006-2007:
UPCOMING PARK PROJECTS:
-- Fontana Park - Began construction which includes a 45,723 square foot community center, an aquatics center building, a 42'x30' competition pool, a slide tower and pool, a wet play area, a small swimming pool, a 6.85 acre formal park area, a small amphitheater and three covered corporate picnic areas.
-- Complete park expansion projects - Village Park restroom and snack bar, Northgate Park expansion, Veterans parking lot expansion, Ben Fernandez Park land purchase.
OTHER PLANNED PROJECTS:
-- With right of way dedication being completed, the Engineering Department will start construction on the following major corridor projects: Baseline Avenue, Citrus to Mango; Sierra Avenue, Baseline to Walnut; Citrus Avenue, Baseline to South Highland.
-- Complete Sierra Avenue and Interstate 10 overpass landscape project.
-- Village of Heritage Community Center re-design and construction.
-- Complete second year ADA improvements of city buildings in compliance with the Department of Justice agreement.
-- Begin construction of San Bernardino Avenue sewer collection trunk line.
-- Begin construction of the sewer collection system expansion project (Presley Estates).
-- Rehabilitate 10 miles of pavement.
-- Begin construction on Foothill Boulevard, East to Cherry; Cherry Avenue, Jurupa to Slover; and Jurupa Avenue (Phase 1) Poplar to Sierra.
-- Begin constriction on Fire Station 79 at Coyote Canyon.
-- Two industrial areas, one at Baseline and Cherry, and the other at Jurupa and Beech, comprised of three warehouse buildings each, are currently in the planning stage, expected to be completed early fiscal year 2007-2008.
-- Rotolo Chevrolet is planning is grand opening in the fall of 2006.
-- Ralphs in Sierra Lakes Village on Citrus at the 210 Freeway will be opening in fiscal year 2007-2008.
-- Costco will open for business in Sierra Lakes Marketplace, with the grand opening planned for October 2006, followed by a new Applebee's Restaurant.
-- The Police and Public Works Departments will begin work on expansion of off-site facilities for both departments. The Police Department will explore opportunities to construct a training facility and range with a potential helicopter hangar and landing pad. The training facility will have a multi-use purpose for all city departments and serve as a center for emergency operations south of I-10.
PROGRESS TOWARD PUBLIC SAFETY:
The City Council has put public safety as a top priority and is committed to maintaining the City of Fontana as one of the safest cities in the Inland Empire. Safe streets and low crime rates are necessary for both residential and business growth.
The adopted fiscal year 2006-2007 operating budget recommends the hiring of seven police officers, one sergeant, one corporal, two community service officers, one computer forensic technician, one records clerk, one dispatcher, and the reclassification of a lead property control clerk to a supervising property control clerk. This will bring staffing levels for sworn personnel to 194 and non-sworn to 82. The total budgeted full-time positions in the Police Department, effective July 1, will be 276 based on the proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 budget.
EXPANDING RECREATION PROGRAMS:
Our city is a diverse community of seniors, students, young families, established professionals, business owners, teachers, retired persons, and more. Our City Council has expanded city services to provide for a healthy, livable and active community.
The proposed budget for the Community Services Department for fiscal year 2006-2007 contains funding for several enhancements:
-- Expansion of the youth Achievement, Writing, Arts, Recreation and Education (AWARE) Program by adding six new elementary school sites and expanding enrollment at six existing sites.
-- Expansion of both youth and adult sports programs. Due to the increase in population in the northern portion of the city, these programs will soon be available at Coyote Canyon Sports Park and Summit High School.
-- Kick off of fiscal year 2006-2007 with the Healthy Fontana Program. With direction from the City Council, the Community Services Department will implement a healthy community program that will assist, enhance and educate residents on a livable, healthy, and active lifestyle.
-- Enhanced special events - The Community Services Department will implement new cultural arts programming that includes artist showcases, Art in the Park, Music under the Stars, Art Depot, and classes.
CAPITAL REINVESTMENT:
Staff is recommending that the capital reinvestment budget for fiscal year 2006-2007 invest $9 million or 17.2 percent of its annual recurring appropriations. This amount exceeds the City Council's goal of 10 percent of recurring appropriations. The $9 million include the following:
-- Pavement rehabilitation of city streets (city-wide), $3.25 million
-- Complete funding for Village of Heritage Community Center, $2.6 million
-- Slurry seal, $600,000
-- Sidewalk/concrete repairs, $500,000
-- Saw tooth projects, $500,000
-- Expansion of the Police facility, $500,000
-- Island annexation road improvements, $500,000
-- Ben Fernandez Park land purchase, $400,000
-- Design for City Hall remodel, $100,000
-- ADA improvements, $70,000
FINANCIAL POSITION:
The continued success of the community is enhanced by the City Council's ongoing commitment to its vision that has framed the proposed operating budget. In summary, the proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 operating budget:
-- Is financially balanced, providing for the maintenance of the general fund's undesignated fund balance of 15 percent.
-- Allocates $9 million or 17.2 percent of the annual proposed recurring general fund appropriations under the Capital Reinvestment Program to address investment in infrastructure exceeding the City Council's goal of 10 percent.
-- Adds 14 new positions within the Police Department to be funded by the general fund.
-- Provides funding for ADA facility and park improvements.
-- Converts some contractual service jobs to full-time staff to improve operational efficiency.
-- Investment of infrastructure.
-- Funds additional sidewalks.
-- Funds the completion of the Village of Heritage Community Center.
-- Expands six current AWARE sites and adds six new AWARE sites.
-- Funds the Healthy Fontana and CAP Programs.
-- Three-mile radius service goal.
-- Earmarks $500,000 for island annexation road improvements.
-- Implements the intra-marketing plan.
-- Provides new cultural programming.
-- Completes staffing necessary to implement island annexation.
-- Provides $4.35 million for city-wide street and sidewalk projects.
The City of Fontana is a dynamic thriving community, due to its committed elected leadership and the talents and ingenuity of the individuals in this community and organization.
The key to Fontana's success is through a well-planned, long-term financial plan based upon economic development that will continue to generate high paying long-term employment opportunities and bring in new and stable sales tax revenue sources. The City of Fontana is firmly committed to meeting each and every challenge that comes our way.
(Ken Hunt is Fontana's city manager. The above information was adapted from the city's proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2006-2007.) Print this story Email this story |
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