By Chase Kamp | Southeast Valley Ledger
In its first year of positive economic change since the recession, the Queen Creek Town Council approved a budget of $117.4 million for the 2013-2014 fiscal year which includes long-sought-after transportation improvements as well as funds for a friendly new dog park and splash pad playground.
The budget also includes the $47.5 million acquisition of H2O water company approved by voters in May, a move town leaders see as an exciting step toward accommodating future growth.
“The 2013-14 budget marks the first time the Town has seen growth since the 2006-07 budget,” said Mayor Gail Barney. “This surplus we have is from many years of restructuring our local government and will help us address the financial cuts we expect from other revenues sources in the future, specifically a cut in impact fees from new construction.”
The budget includes $17.8 million for the general fund, $9.6 million for the water fund, a $7 million sewer fund, $1.7 million for solid waste, $5.1 for transportation capital programs and $8.4 million for the emergency services fund.
