To the Citizens of the Town of Maringouin: Enclosed is the 2016 operating budget for the Town of Maringouin. The purpose of the budget message is to identify objectives for the coming year as well as the underlying assumptions made in the projection of the revenues and related expenditures of the operations of the Town. The budget is presented on a “line item” basis. Each item of revenue and expenditure is identified for your review. The 2016 budget has been prepared to maintain all funds with positive fund balances as of September 30, 2016. The summary of all funds shows that 2016 revenues will be $2,499,700. On the other hand, expenditures of $3,617,171 are projected. The financial stability that is necessary for services needed by the Town is achieved by sales tax revenues and utility charges, which approximate 60% of total operating revenue. Budgeted charges for services related to utility operations total $775,000. Specifics concerning the funds are as follows: General Fund Revenues for 2014 is expected to experience a decrease of $76,000. Sales tax is projected to be decrease by approximately 4%, or $50,000 for 2016 which is projected based on historical collection levels.

Other general fund budgeted revenues are consistent with 2015 projected revenues. Expenditures are projected to be $2,345,520, an increase of approximately $887,000 from 2015 projected expenditures. This increase is directly related to capital outlay expenditures related to the construction projects for a new governmental complex and a splash park. 3 Special Revenue Fund – Fire Protection Special revenues of $177,000 of sales taxes and other revenues are projected for collection in the 2015 fiscal year for fire protection. Expenditures are projected at $173,251 for 2016, which is a decrease of $31,200 from the projected 2015 expenditures. Enterprise Fund Revenues from user fees generated from the Town’s utility systems for 2016 are expected to be approximately $775,000. The expenses relating to maintenance, capital outlay, debt service and other administration are projected to be $1,098,400.

Conclusion:  These are exciting times for the citizens of the Town as the critical needs of the community are identified and addressed for resolution. Funding for such services has been a paramount concern of the Mayor and the Town Council. The challenge presented to us is to make the appropriate decisions that will result in the best use of the resources available.

Description: Create the number of high-wage jobs created by partnering with the Parish government. This creation of jobs focuses on professional, technical, skilled trade and managerial jobs within the Parish of Iberville. The Parish seat serves as the central point of the plant industry. This business endeavor will improve economic trajectory towards greater opportunity, prosperity and competitiveness for all citizens.

Description: Participate in the development and preservation of new and/or rehabilitated quality and affordable housing unit. Encourage public-private partnerships to dramatically increase the number of available quality and affordable housing units across the community.

Description: Increase number of online services offered by the Town of Maringouin.  Increase the Open Data, Open Metadata and Open Content about city assets and services available online.

Description: Participate in the development and preservation of new and/or rehabilitated quality and affordable housing unit. Encourage public-private partnerships to dramatically increase the number of available quality and affordable housing units across the community.

Description: Attain, Educate and Encourage more working age adults with college degrees and technical skills  from our community. This goal for educational attainment is to partner with Community Colleges, Technical Skill Programs, and local educators and community activist to provide ample opportunities for developing creativity and creative thinking, skilled workers, engaged citizens and civic leaders for our community.

Description: Continue to provide our community parks with new or renovated amenities and programs while continuing to support the Iberville Parks and Recreation and the newly created Maringouin Community Center located on Lions Avenue.  There are current plans for the creation of the Water Splash Park, a state of the art facility that will help to enhance the community.  The completion of Water Splash Park is scheduled for Spring 2016.  The governing board also has plans for a walking trail located on Church Street and Landry Drive.

This walking trial will enable residents to help make their communities more liveable; improve the economy through tourism and civic improvement; preserve and restore open space; and provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health.

Description: Help develop a fire service delivery model that is operationally efficient, consistent for all citizens, and financially sustainable. The goal of the fire department is to continue to work with Emergency Preparedness of our parish.

Description: Promote programs to encourage visual and performing artists. Ensure that artistic, literary,  musical experiences are available to residents. Continue to foster relationships with Parish leaders to ensure that these programs are available.

Description: The governing body along with the police department are ensuring that the community is safe by patrolling and being involved in the area.