BUDGETING

While the Department is charged with the development and construction of the infrastructure necessary to maintain a safe environment for the community, it is equally charged with the maintenance and protection of this multi-million dollar capital improvement investment.

This maintenance and operations function, which consumes a major portion of the Department's annual budget, must be provided in the most cost effective method available. Whether provided by in-house staff or by contract services, the level of service and response set by the community will, in most cases, determine the method and degree of providing these services.

The Department must remain flexible to the needs of the community at all times. "Quality, professional service to our citizens is our goal." "We Care" is our Department motto.

• Provide continued support to the City Council's goals for the City.
• Provide meaningful support and participation in the Capital Improvement Programs and Capital Maintenance Programs.
• Develop and initiate an effective implementation strategy for all projects assigned to the Department.
• Improve community and inter-department awareness and appreciation of the Department through successful implementation of high visibility projects.
• Continue to improve relations within the Department's community of interests:
  • With all Greeley citizens through a greater receptiveness to their needs and concerns and improved efforts toward positive responsive actions.
  • With the development and construction industry through greater recognition of their contribution to the community and more cooperative approaches to the review and processing of their development proposals and construction problems.
  • With other Departments within the City organization through greater knowledge and appreciation of their areas of responsibility.
  • Within our own Department through recognition of the fact that the best projects are generally the ones that involve the cooperative input of several disciplines.

PURPOSE

To provide administrative support and direction to develop and implement the services, programs and projects which are the responsibility of the Department of Public Works.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

WHAT IS A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?
A capital improvement project is a project related to the infrastructure of the City or major equipment. The project may be new construction, rehabilitation of existing facilities or infrastructure or improvements to existing facilities or infrastructure in excess of $50,000 annually (i.e., dam rehabilitation, street overlays, major remodel of a City building, new soccer fields).

WHAT IS A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM?
The capital improvement program is a five year plan for the evaluation of the City's facility and infrastructure needs. It serves as a guide for construction and development of the City's infrastructure asset base in the most cost efficient manner possible. It is the result of systematic review of each project as it relates to the community goals and the established priority scheme, to maximize the use of all financial resources.

While the program serves as a long range plan, it is reviewed annually and revised based on current circumstances and opportunities. Priorities may be changed due to grant opportunities or circumstances that caused a more rapid deterioration of an asset resulting in a liability issue. Projects may be revised for significant costing variances.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM?

• To forecast public facilities and improvements that will be needed in the near future.
• To anticipate and project financing needs in order to maximize available federal, state and county funds.
• To promote sound financial planning in order to enhance and protect the bond rating of the City of Greeley.
• To focus attention on and assist in the implementation of established community goals as outlined in the official Comprehensive Plan.
• To serve as a guide for local officials in making budgetary decisions.
• To balance the needs of new development with existing development.
• To promote and enhance the economic development of the City of Greeley.
• To strike a balance between needed public improvements and the present financial capability of the City to provide for these improvements.
• To provide an opportunity for citizens and interest groups to voice their opinions on development of City facilities and infrastructure.
• To provide for improvements in a timely and systematic manner.