Ballwin to end 2012 fiscally strong, projected to grow stronger in 2013

The city of Ballwin expects to wind up the 2012 budget year on target, with revenues currently projected to be slightly above what was anticipated and expenditures somewhat below.

Robert Kuntz, city administrator, shared those expectations with the Ballwin Board of Aldermen at a special budget study session Oct. 8.

The major unknown in the budget projections is the timing of federal reimbursement for costs associated with the Kehrs Mill Road improvement project, Kuntz said.

Trend information and actual receipts through the first nine months of 2012 put city revenues on track to exceed budget projections by about $425,000 while expenditures should wind up about $595,000 less than expected, Kuntz explained.

Another piece of good news is that the city’s debt service outlays in 2013 will be well below the current year. According to Kuntz, debt obligations will be $624,000, compared with $1.628 million in 2012. Also, the city’s capital lease debt will be about $58,000 lower in 2013.

Kuntz offered an anticipated timetable for budget preparation, consideration and approval that included specific steps at upcoming Board meetings, with official adoption of the 2013 plan set for Dec. 10.

At the same meeting, Linda Bruer, director of parks and recreation, gave the Board a list of proposed capital expenditures for 2013 totaling just over $1 million, with anticipated grants and other fund sources reducing the net cost to just over $700,000.

The largest single project would be the first phase of improvements at Ferris Park. Bruer said the projected expense of $393,000 could be offset with a $310,000 grant the city hopes to receive from St. Louis County municipal park funds.

Other major capital projects include:

• $250,000 for HVAC updates and an initial phase of interior improvements at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons.

• $264,000 at the Ballwin golf course for a parking lot overlay, cart path resealing and replacement of Ameren parking lot lighting fixtures, mowing equipment, a utility vehicle and six golf carts.

Expenditures at other parks and replacement of a 14-year-old utility/cargo van also were in the overall list.