Miamisburg budget surplus fueled by income tax money

The city expects to start 2017 with a general fund budget surplus fueled by income tax money estimated to more than double from initial projections.

That will help Miamisburg pay for more than $2.3 million in 2017 capital improvements, nearly half of which is earmarked for sidewalk, paving, resurfacing, bridge and related road improvements, city records show.

Miamisburg expects this year to collect about $18.1 million in income taxes, a 7 percent jump from the previous year, records show.

An increase of 3 percent was budgeted for 2016 income tax revenue, two-thirds of which is budgeted general fund money.

The increase will help the city carry over $736,867 for next year’s general fund, which is expected to top $19.5 million, according to the city.

“What we saw – and what we’re seeing through wrapping up this year — is that our revenues are actually approaching close to $20 million,” Miamisburg City Manager Keith Johnson said. “That’s the first time we’ve been able to reach that mark without factoring borrowing money for road improvements.”

Johnson said the city’s 2010 voter-approved income tax increase from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent is one factor in the rising numbers. Miamisburg Mayor Dick Church Jr. said conservative budgeting also played a role.

“Income tax projections came in over projections this past year, and it looks like they’re going to do the same with the next budget,” he said.

“We’re anticipating we’re going to be able to do more improvements to roadways and some of the infrastructure problems that are facing us,” he added. “We’ve got a lot of catch-up to do.”

Next year’s budget, which city council is expected to address Tuesday, includes $219,910 more in capital spending than originally budgeted, records show. That includes $155,000 in street upgrades and $50,000 of work on the Sycamore Trails Aquatic Center, for which $50,000 had already been set aside.

Other capital improvements of $100,000 or more include: $375,000 for paving; $300,000 for sidewalks, curbs and gutters; $223,660 for a management information system; $160,000 for repairs to the 12th Street Bridge; $114,000 for three police cruisers; and $100,000 for asphalt resurfacing.

The city’s carryover from this year would be about a third less without the joint economic development district agreements with Miami Twp. and Springboro. This year the city collected $66,801 from the Austin Center pact and $147,683 for the Dayton Mall agreement.

Those funds are projected to bring in about $375,000 combined for the city next year.

The carryover from this year adds to a reserve balance of about $7.46 million, according to the city. That fund will be needed should the state take further action to decrease local funding. Miamisburg has lost $383,000 because of state moves, and more changes may be in store, officials said.

“There’s a lot of unknowns right now – what the state’s going to do,” Church said. “They keep talking about different programs that they’re going to institute that’s going to take more money from cities.”

2017 MIAMISBURG CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGETS

Engineering — $1,194,100

Parks and rec — $494,750

Administration — $373,660

Police — $309,000

Public works — $106,500

Golf courses — $34,200

Source: City of Miamisburg

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