2024 Town budget tops $8 M

At the public hearing Nov. 14 on the Town of La Conner’s proposed 2024 budget be prepared to discuss the record $6.98 million in revenues and the $8 million in expendituresa, a deficit budget of just over $1 million. It is balanced by tapping the reserve fund balance of $5.5 million.

As in recent years, the bulk of the projected revenue, $3.7 million comes from the four wastewater funds. These programs account for over half the costs, $4.2 million. The street fund is projected to take in $1.2 million and spend $1.3 million. The current expense, or general fund, is estimated to generate $1.19 million and have expenses of 1.25 million.

In the past five years or so, the town council has annually passed conservative budgets, underestimating income and overestimating costs. Revenues have been larger and expenses less at the end of each year.

The town has 15 program funds including park and port, facilities, flood control and public art.

The Town is required by law to have a balanced budget.