On October 17, 2022, the Burien City Council held the first of several public hearings on the 2023-2024 budget. Staff presented an overview of several budget funds, their purpose, and forecasted revenue amounts and proposed expenditure amounts for the next two years. State law and City code and policies restrict different funding sources for specific uses. Staff noted that budget estimates are conservative to reflect the impact of inflation and other economic factors.
Public Works Reserve Fund
This reserve fund is where revenue from Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) and parks mitigation fees accumulate. This reserve fund is used primarily to pay debt service and fund capital projects.
The estimates for revenue are conservative and account for rising interest rates potentially slowing down demand in the housing market.
Equipment Reserve Fund
This reserve fund provides funding to replace major equipment replacement at the end of their estimated service life. Major equipment is defined as equipment in excess of $5,000 and has a service life of three years or more. It is funded by transfers from the General Fund, the Street Fund, and the Surface Water Management Fund.
The City has ordered a bucket truck and a gator utility vehicle that will be received in 2023.
Art in Public Places Fund
Art in Public Places Fund, financed by $.50 per Burien resident, supports the creation, acquisition, and maintenance of public art. The Arts Commission serves as the community advisory board that advises the City Council on use of this funding.
Capital Projects Reserve Fund
This fund supports funding for capital projects and can be used to supplement City’s debt payments.
The City plans to use this funding to support parks and facilities planning projects, Lakeview Park acquisition, and Lakeview Park playground replacement.
Transportation Benefit District
The Burien Transportation Benefit District (TBD) was formed in 2009 to finance transportation improvements as detailed in the City’s Capital Improvement Program. The TBD Vehicle Fee is a $20 excise tax charged on all vehicles registered in Burien. The TBD helps fund the Pavement Management Program as well as debt service on past street overlay projects.
State Drug Enforcement Forfeiture Fund
The State Drug Enforcement Forfeiture Fund is where money the City receives from state drug seizures is held. The use of these funds is restricted to purchases that will enhance Burien Police Department’s ability to investigate drug-related crimes. The upcoming budget will support additional training for police officers and support investigative activity.
Federal Drug Enforcement Forfeiture Fund
The Federal Drug Enforcement Forfeiture Fund is where money the City receives from federal drug seizures is held. The use of these funds is restricted to purchases that will enhance Burien Police Department’s ability of to investigate drug-related crimes. The upcoming budget will support additional training for police officers and purchase of tools and equipment to enhance criminal investigations into distribution of illegal substances.
Federal Criminal Forfeiture Fund
The Federal Criminal Forfeiture Fund is where funds are held that are seized through the City’s participation in a United States Department of Treasury task force.
The use of these funds is restricted to purchases that will enhance the ability of the City’s police to investigate criminal related crimes and incidents.
Equitable sharing payments to state and local law enforcement partners are strictly dependent on the level of participation they had in the joint law enforcement operations that resulted in forfeitures. There are over 6,800 state and local law enforcement agencies that participate in the Equitable Sharing Program, which allows those agencies to reinvest in law enforcement training and equipment, including body armor and rescue equipment.
