Outlined below is the City of Beaufort's FY 2006 adopted budget.  The General Fund Budget which totals $10,882,800 represents a very conservative increase over the previous year's total.  The Parks and Tourism Budget totals $1,863,599. 

This budget also includes the second year for our Recycling Fund totaling $249,326. 

I call to your attention the following highlights:

• This budget does not call for any increase in property taxes or fees.
• This budget provides a 2% cost of living adjustment effective July 1, 2005.
• This budget provides a total of $1,567,570 for Capital expenditures.  Of this amount, including funding for priority drainage improvements.
• This budget includes funding for 157.5 FTEs including 1 new position.
• This budget includes funding to pay for increases in health insurance rates,  general liability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.
• This budget includes continued funding for our safety and loss control program that is designed to make our workplace safer and to help us hold the line on workers' compensation premiums.
• This budget includes funding for improvements to Pigeon Point Park.

I would like to thank our department heads and City employees for all of their hard work and efforts in support of developing this year's budget.

Sincerely,

John F. McDonough
City Manager