Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council looked at the city treasurer’s report Monday that showed what at least one council member said could be a record slump in city sales tax, compared to its Transient Occupancy Tax income. But the same report also showed a probable 5-year high in city sewer revenue. City Finance Officer Jeff Gardner went over the details of the treasurer’s report and also read through his own audit report for fiscal year 2007-2008. Councilman Pat Crosby said he thought it was “the first time that the TOT tax has been greater than the sales tax for three quarters of the year.” Sales tax collections in January, February and March totaled $37,554 dollars, not including a “semi annual sales triple flip” of $2,673 dollars. Sales tax third quarter totals were $117,262 dollars by the end of April, compared to $262,069 dollars by April of 2007-2008. In comparison, Transient Occupancy Tax revenue for the third quarter total was $123,416 dollars through April. That was down from $140,142 dollars through last April. Sutter Creek city sewer revenue was on par for a five-year high, and totaled $967,359 dollars through April, up $100,000 from the previous year. Mayor Gary Wooten asked about a $125,000 dollar line item in the 2007-2008 budget audit for “golf expenses.” Gardner said it was a “reimbursement” from developers of Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. Wooten said “we need to change it, so in 10 years, people don’t look back and see golf expenses. Gardner said the council can approve the audit with changes to be made, and he can make the appropriate changes. Gardner also pointed out the “Noble Ranch Golf Course” budget line item, saying it is actually a sewer-related expense, but not necessary to change. City Manager Rob Duke said he could “change the name to the Noble Ranch Spray Field,” and be more clear that the expenses are not just golf course-related. The council voted 5-0 to approve and accept the 2007-2008 audit with changes to be made. Gardner said he did not bring the 2006-2007 audit report as planned because he “found a significant typographical error and that’s got to be fixed.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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