Fy99 Budget Highlights

The City's major budget and management objectives for FY99 and future years are as follows:

Fiscal

Keep recurring expenses in line with recurring revenues.
Use private enterprise to supply public services when such agreements are cost effective.
Use tax increment financing to combat blight and to promote economic development.
Strive for continued excellence in budgeting and financial reporting.
Review rates, fees and charges annually to be sure they continue to reflect the cost of services.
Limit rate increases to one major enterprise (water, sewer, solid waste) a year, as necessary.
Provide matching funds and "seed" money to leverage grants and other assistance.

Personnel

Recognize employees for exceptional performance and creativity.
Provide employee development by promoting training programs.
Offer City employees training, counseling and referral services for stress, drug abuse and other personal difficulties.
Stabilize labor relations through multi-year contracts.

Service

Promote the safety and welfare of Tampa's citizens by controlling and preventing crime.
Provide high quality utility services at reasonable rates.
Develop long-range plans in order to meet demands for City services.
Support City housing programs by public and private financing.
Contribute to the quality of life in Tampa by improving leisure services and facilities.
Continue support of the State Growth Management Act.
Maintain existing infrastructure and require that development contribute to growth related infrastructure improvements.

Community

Encourage public participation in developing solutions to City problems.
Encourage the development of neighborhood organizations as a means of public participation.
Improve City's image through reduction of petty crime, littering and illegal signage.
Obtain the support of the business community for improvements desired by the citizens.
Utilize local universities and the business community where their expertise might offer improvements to City performance.
Promote participation of women and minority business enterprises in City contracts.

Intergovernmental

Improve planning for growth within the City by coordination of various planning agency proposals.
Cooperate with other local governments in matters of regional interest.
Develop proposals for the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation agenda on matters requiring State action.