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City of Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver City Flyer Summer 2009

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From the City Manager

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I am pleased to present you with the City of Vancouver’s 2008 Annual Report which provides information about the valuable investment you make in our community.

2008 was a challenging year for our nation. Like many of you, the City of Vancouver felt the strains of the economic downturn. We were tasked with preparing the 2009-2010 budget amid a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty that had us facing decreased revenues - mainly in economy-dependent sectors such as sales taxes and Real Estate Excise Taxes - inflationary indexes, medical costs, inflation on the cost of asphalt and energy and the cost of service contracts with other jurisdictions.

The good news is that Vancouver’s 2009-2010 budget is balanced, fiscally-responsible and does not use one-time resources to fund on-going issues. The 2009-2010 budget incorporates approximately $1.3 million in annual budget reductions in non-public safety agencies in the General Fund. These reductions are in addition to the $14.2 million in reductions the city has already made over the prior eight-year period. 

Our focus remains on our core services such as ensuring fire and police protection, transportation, which includes building and repairing roads, and providing water and sewer service as well as administering land use policy and participating in Vancouver’s commercial and industrial development. This includes maintaining parks and green-spaces, and supporting projects to preserve the city’s environment, historic legacy and quality of life.

Sincerely,
Pat McDonnell, City Manager

End of an era
So long, City Flyer

You are reading the final issue of the Vancouver City Flyer, a fixture in your utility bill since 1999. Over the years we have tried to provide you information about the city that was interesting and relevant. We hope we were successful. During the 2009-10 Budget Update process the decision was made to eliminate the City Flyer, which was delivered to 60,000 customers six times a year. Communication needs have changed and a bi-monthly publication was no longer an efficient or suitable vehicle to deliver information.
Instead of the citywide information, normally found in the City Flyer, what you will see is information about water, sewer and stormwater.

Our commitment to you is that we will continue to find fresh and interesting ways to get you the information you need, when you want it.

In the meantime, please visit our web site at
www.cityofvancouver.us to sign up for email updates about what is going on in and around your city.

Core City Services Only $28 Per Month

Police	$12
Fire	$8
Parks & Recreation	$4
Transportation	$4
Total core services:	$28

Based on a median house price of $236,400 and a median income of $67,500

2009 City Goals

Each year organizational goals are set to guide the city’s work for the year ahead. The 2009 goals reflect an understanding of the depth of current economic challenges and position the city to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities when the current economic downturn ends:

Essentials Only
Increased Efficiency
Preserve Our Future

Our goal is to ensure the community is well-served in these difficult times. We remain committed to ensuring Vancouver continues to be a safe and livable place we can all be proud of.

Turn over a new leaf - Learn the proper way to prune!

Trees help our community. One medium-size tree can intercept thousands of gallons of rainfall each year, improve air quality, provide shade and prevent erosion.

Topping is a short-term solution with serious long-term consequences. Learn how proper pruning solves problems and keeps our urban forest healthy. Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry or call 360-619-1108 for information or to get involved.

Fireworks law changes

Beginning this year, the fireworks season in the City of Vancouver is from June 28 through July 4. This is one day shorter than previous years.

Use of legal fireworks is limited to:
June 28, noon to 11 p.m.
June 29 to July 3, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
July 4, 9 a.m. to midnight
It is illegal to discharge fireworks at all other times. Using legal fireworks at other times or in a public park is subject to a $250 fine; using illegal fireworks at any time is subject to a $500 fine. Fines increase with subsequent violations.
* Vancouver Municipal Code Chapter 16.30, Consumer Fireworks
Learn more at: www.vanfire.org