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Section C of this book defines and quantifies more than 1.00 programs citywide, and all of these <br />programs list indicators of performance. Those indicators need to be continually refined and <br />modified on an ongoing basis to reflect the areas that are truly meaningful in evaluating an area <br />of service. Costing programs, developing indicators and setting performance finals are important. <br />However, the frequency with which we measure results and how we use the information with <br />labor units and management is mare critical. In order for an organization to be successful in <br />implementing this concept, it roust be ingrained in day to day operations and decision making. <br />South Bend has done a great job to date on implementation; however, we are only a short way <br />along the total evolutionary curve. We are committed to continue nn that path to improve what <br />we da, every day, in order to make a difference for our community. <br />Accomplishments far the Year 2004 <br />We are pleased to announce that we have underspent the 2004 General Fund Expenditure <br />Budget by $2,371,471 while General Fund Revenue has exceeded the 2004 Budget by $491,912. <br />This good news is a direct result of the hard work and never-ending focus an expense control by <br />the City's department heads, managers and employees. The additional revenue is a result of <br />increased collections far services provided and improved cash management procedures, which <br />resulted in more than doubling the budgeted income received on investments. This net $2.$ <br />million excess aver budget has provided additional funds for the City's 2D05 Capital Budget as <br />well as increased cash reserves. <br />The 2004 results are a continuation of past successes. Last year the City was able to announce <br />that it had underspent the 2003 General Fund Expenditure Budget by $1,722,401 while General <br />Fund Revenue exceeded the 2003 Budget by $3,319,755. In 2002, General Fund Expenditure <br />Budget was unspent by $3,932,OOD and revenue was exceeded by $920,949. In 2D01, the General <br />Fund Budget was underspent by $ 2,873,(?00, and revenues came in at $1,D66,OOD more than <br />originally anticipated. This provides evidence that the City's budgets have been prepared on a <br />conservative basis, and they have provided adequate resources to fund services provided. All <br />cities have limited resources and, thus, limited number of programs and services that can be <br />provided. We are proud to say that we have done well in terms of maintaining a solid, financially <br />sound organization by spending within our means. <br />The City of South Bend's overall financial stability continues to remain very strong. Once again <br />the City's "AA" credit rating from Standard & Poor's and Fitch IBCA was reaffirmed in 2004. <br />The City also issued one band in 2004, Sewage Works Revenue Bond. Fitch's press release <br />stated that "the rating reflects the City of South Bend's solid financial position, sound and <br />diversified economic base, and low direct debt levels. The City's financial performance is <br />consistently strong, with conservative budgeting and operating surpluses supporting the long <br />record of sizable undesignated general fund balances." Standard and 1'nar's credit profile <br />identified the City's strengths to include "a diverse local economy" and a "history of strong <br />liquidity and good financial management." Mnndy's Investor Services also reaffirmed its <br />previous rating of A2 which is a rating that the City is pleased with, however, the City's goal is to <br />improve this rating in the near future. <br />The City continues to maintain adequate cash reserves not only in its General Fund (which <br />rx <br />