By Don Bommer
Contributing Writer

The city of Bulverde’s public hearing on the proposed 2008-09 budget Thursday attracted little interest from local residents. Only two local residents attended the meeting.

City Administrator John Hobson presented a detailed breakdown of projected revenue and expenses for the coming year based on a proposed tax rate of 15.56 cents per $100 valuation. Last year’s tax rate was 15.41 cents per $100 valuation.

A home valued at $100,000 would have a tax liability of $155.65 for the coming year. That same home, if it were valued at $100,000 last year would have had a tax liability of $154.10 based on last year’s tax rate of 15.41 cents per $100 valuation.

The taxable value in the city this year is $498,795,808 compared to last year’s taxable value of $457,794,797, an increase of $41,001,011.

Taxable values have risen by 51.33 percent over the last four years. Even so, this year’s increase in taxable value is $27,771,977 less than last year’s increase.

Total projected revenue for the coming year is $2,408,880 compared to this year’s revenue of $2,488,831, a decrease of $79,951.

Three sources make up 84.02 percent of the city’s revenue. Property taxes account for 31 percent, sales tax revenue is 34 percent and court fees amount to 18 percent.

Hobson said the projected revenue from sales tax for the coming year is $6,560 less than last year due to a slow economy and reduced spending. Hobson also said the projected decrease of $46,000 in fines collected is the result of the police department putting more focus on the patrolling of neighborhoods.

The city will realize a projected increase of approximately $44,757 in property tax revenue due to the higher appraised values.

Total projected expenses for the coming year are $2,408,880, or $50,265 more than last year’s total expenses of $2,316,615.

Public safety accounts for 38 percent of total expenditures. The public works department accounts for 24 percent of total expenditures and planning and development accounts for 22 percent of expenditures.

Due to an increase in projected revenues for the current year of $130,216 and a decrease in projected expenses of $42,354, the city is projected to finish this year under budget with a surplus of $172,570.

Councilman Jim Binkley said police officers should receive differential pay when working the night shift.

“It has an effect on their families and they should be compensated accordingly,” he said.

Police Chief Joe Hamilton told council some large departments do pay more for night duty and some offer other incentives.

Mayor Ray Jeffrey instructed staff to get comparisons from departments of similar size in the surrounding area and report back to council for possible consideration for inclusion in next year’s budget.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled tonight at City Hall at 6:30 p.m.