Post Falls to propose increased budget for 2006

The proposed Post Falls city budget for 2006 shows an increase in revenue from new developments in the city. Sysco and Buck Knives alone contributed $522,000 to the $12.5 million budget.

The city works on a two-year budget cycle and the 2006 budget was calculated along with the budget for 2005, so they’re not significantly different, said Shelly Enderud, city finance director. Next year’s proposed budget, which will be released Friday, has increased by 5 percent.

Among the new items, should the budget pass as-is:

“ The city library will buy an automated self-checkout system.

“ The police department will hire a new patrol officer and purchase a new patrol car.

“ City employees will see an increase in benefits: about $1,600 for office workers and $3,000 for patrol officers.

“ The overall budget for salaries will increase 3.5 percent, which will be distributed based on merit.

The self-checkout system will free up librarians to work on programs, buy books, work on the Web site and put on events like the concert series, said library director Joe Reiss. Right now, librarians spend much of their time at the check-out desk to keep up with the demand, Reiss said. It will also allow people to check out books faster.

The library plans to buy one station with the $50,000 allotted to it. As the library becomes busier, this technology can fulfill the need that would otherwise require two employees, Reiss said.

The checkout system, which is already in place in libraries in Spokane, is easier to use than those found in supermarkets, Reiss added. But for people who would rather be helped by a person, librarians will still man the front desk.

Having an additional patrol officer will help the police department inch closer to its goal of having two officers per 1,000 residents, which is the national average, said Lt. Scott Haug. Right now, the ratio is about 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents. Even after hiring a new officer, the department would need an additional seven to meet the goal.

There will be public hearing about the budget at the city council meeting on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.