With Emporia’s sales tax revenues possibly down as much as 18 percent, city leaders are looking at all options to continue serving the community as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Wednesday, City Manager Mark McAnarney said city government has already taken several steps, including the closure of city offices and Municipal Court, adjustments to law enforcement’s public dealings, not filling open positions and delaying some capital purchases.
The city may also increase utility fees for the third straight year, but that decision will be made later this year. Furloughs and pay cuts for city employees are not under consideration at this time.
McAnarney says the loss in sales taxes could range from 15 to 18 percent based on current projections. City commissioners have asked department heads and allocation agency leaders to submit two sets of budgets, one which reflects normal operations and one reflecting a 25-percent cut to operations.
He also says the city is in much better shape than it could be with a longtime emphasis on having a stout reserve fund.
The city commission’s longstanding benchmark is to have 15 percent of city funds in reserve and 20 percent of utility funds set aside. McAnarney expects both line items will go below those benchmarks later this year.
Construction projects continue, especially the downtown sanitary sewer renovations. McAnarney says work is close to 90 percent done and could finish in June.
McAnarney thanked staff for their adjustments and residents for following the guidance from health officials, including six-foot social distances and the use of masks while out in public.
