On Tuesday June 5, 2007 the Burlington City Council unanimously approved the 2007-2008 City Budget. The General fund budget as approved is $46,372,740. The budget reflects a 4.5 percent increase over the 2006-2007 budget. This budget reflects the smallest percentage increase in general fund expenditures of any local government in the county. As a result of unprecedented growth in the city tax base and substantial growth in revenues generated through development fees the City Council was able to balance the general fund budget with no tax increase. City Councilman David Huffman praised council members for their foresight and reminded them that the council and citizens of Burlington are reaping the benefits of a fifteen million dollar bond issue that voters approved in 1999 to construct the Great Alamance sewer outfall line. Had this project not been approved and constructed the growth that we are experiencing could not have occurred.
The City Council also adopted the 2007-2008 water and sewer budget. The amount of increase was only 1.5 percent over the 2006-2007 budget The budget as approved is $21,998,907. For the second year in a row the City Council did not increase water rates. The decision to sell water to neighboring communities played a significant role in the Council’s ability to not increase water rates. The cost of sewer service was increased by 4.5 percent as a result of continued losses in the amount of sewer being treated. The volume of sewer treated by the City last year was at a thirty year low. Continued cutbacks and losses in textile operations played a major role in reduced sewer revenues. The increase in sewer rates for the average residential customer will be three cents per day.
The City Council is committed to providing a high level of service to our community, and is constantly striving to meet the needs of all citizens while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.