SERVICE CENTER FUND & IMPOUND LOT
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
REVENUE:
Fuel revenue is dependent on fuel cost, and the Energy Administration has projected that both gasoline and diesel fuel rates will remain at the FY 23 levels for much of FY 24. Gallons of both types of fuel are anticipated to remain level in FY 24. Overall fuel revenue is anticipated to increase $147,514 from the FY 23 Adopted budget. Parts revenue is projected to remain level for FY 24. Labor rates for light equipment are set at $67 per hour and labor rates for heavy equipment are currently $86 per hour. It has not been necessary to increase labor rates for several years. Vehicle labor revenue has been budgeted to increase for FY 24, as repair costs have increased.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
Nineteen full-time employees are funded in the Service Center budget and there are two full- time positions in the Impound Lot. A step increase effective on January 1, 2024 has been included. Wages for a seasonal warehouse employee were deleted in FY 22, but funding has been continued for a seasonal vehicle technician. In the Impound Lot division, funding has been increased to $19,442 for seasonal employees. Allocations for retirement, pension and worker’s compensation increase for this division, while health insurance decreases due to use of the Town’s health reserve account. No contribution for retiree health (OPEB) has been funded in FY 24. A tool allowance of $500 per mechanic has been included in the Service Center budget.
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS:
Contracted Services expenses are expected to increase $21,056. This category includes building and equipment maintenance, training and travel, printing costs and tipping fees, as well as other contracted services. Training increases to cover Class A CDL training for up to six mechanics. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing courses for Purchasing staff and automotive training and certification for the mechanics are also included. Building and equipment maintenance costs are projected to decrease $3,116, which includes fuel depot maintenance, inspection and repairs and software maintenance for the fuel program. Tipping fees for tire disposal have been included at $2,000. Supplies and Materials include $11,000 to purchase cameras for the warehouse, and $8,250 to purchase five hose reels. The FY23 budget included the purchase of an A/C machine and a power washer at a total cost of $15,600. Purchases of fuel and inventory are the major expenses in this department. Vehicle fuel is purchased by the Warehouse division and charged to all other City departments as it is consumed. This expense is reflected in the vehicle fuel line item in all City departments and is a notable cost for Transportation, Solid Waste and Police. Vehicle fuel costs are expected to remain at the FY 23 actual levels for FY 24, leading to an increase in the estimate of fuel purchases of $153,514, as the FY 23 adopted budget did not reflect current fuel prices. Estimates of inventory for parts and supplies has been budgeted to remain level for FY 24. Energy costs for this department are anticipated to increase. Intragovernmental allocations for IT Services, General Overhead and vehicle lease increase for this division, while the allocation for insurance and radio decrease.