By Kevin Woodhouse
www.thesuburban.com
The city of Kirkland released its 2014 budget in the last week of February at a special council meeting. The good news for citizens is that average homes will not see an increase this year.
“Every budget cycle has its challenges and 2014 was no different,” explained Mayor Michel Gibson through a news release. “Costs for providing services continue to rise each year, changing demographics require adjustments in services provided especially for senior citizens and additional responsibilities keep being transferred to us by the different levels of government.”
Council’s goal was to “maintain local services” as well as adhering to infrastructure projects “without increasing the tax burden of our taxpayers,” noted Gibson.
Almost nine million will be invested in the city’s infrastructure programs for the coming year as well as the introduction of new services, namely the “new splash pad to be built at Harris Park this summer, all the while maintaining a high level of service, and ensuring that city hall remains accessible to its residents,” said Gibson.
Taxpayers have likely received their bills in the mail and the first payment installment is due on April 1, 2014.
Another way Gibson wants to ensure taxpayers don’t get stressed, “council will continue to explore all avenues to ensure our fair share of available grants and subsidies and maintain budget control.”
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