KINGSPORT TENNESSEE
7pWe7iGO4
7pWe7iGO4
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
The Role of the BMA<br />
Oversight of city operations<br />
Policymaking<br />
Balancing budget<br />
Managing city manager<br />
FUTURE CITY DIRECTION<br />
Challenges - As I See Them<br />
By Mayor John Clark<br />
Expenditures versus Population<br />
City staff has demonstrated sustained operating efficiencies since 2009; however, as the city’s population has<br />
increased, the expenditures per capita have actually decreased. Other cities in the region have seen just the opposite.<br />
They are investing more per capita to achieve a higher quality of life.<br />
Kingsport’s population increased 15.88%, while general fund expenditures per capita decreased 3.26%<br />
Bristol’s population increased 4.09%, expenditures increased 4.05%<br />
Johnson City’s population increased 5.3%, expenditures increased 8.02%<br />
Work versus Live<br />
People no longer must live where they work (choices). In fact, 59% of our workforce commutes to and from Kingsport<br />
each day.<br />
While the city’s population has grown during the past 20 years, 90% is due to annexation (7,100 of 8,100 new residents<br />
were annexed). State law has changed, restricting annexation to request or referendum - a much more unpredictable<br />
growth strategy.<br />
We are losing residents and businesses to other cities, and the low cost-of-living strategy has not resulted in organic<br />
population growth. We must work harder to overcome industrialization and create demand for Kingsport with our<br />
four target areas of residents, visitors, businesses and developers.<br />
Remain Constant versus Invest<br />
Stay the Course – Live within current revenue means<br />
• No new revenue streams<br />
• Continue spending funds on maintenance and new projects from same budget<br />
• Produce slow and incremental quality-of-life improvements<br />
• Decline in tax base, yearly increases and/or cost reductions<br />
• Continued transition to 8am-5pm commuter town<br />
OneKingsport Investments – Establish new revenue stream<br />
• Spend current budget on maintenance and new funding on investments<br />
• Faster and more substantial quality-of-life improvements<br />
• Maintain and grow tax base, improved services to residents<br />
• Continue progress to vibrant 24/7 city<br />
Both options required additional funding - The BMA chose to INVEST in the future.<br />
7
Change language