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continue to monitor the real estate market and explained the difference between a <br /> property value reassessment (which focuses on individual properties) versus the county <br /> triennial update (which approaches revaluations from a neighborhood level). The triennial <br /> update will occur in 2021 and take affect in 2022. <br /> Director Rancatore noted that the city will see lower interest revenue in 2021. It received <br /> $1.4 million in interest in 2019, $850,000 this year, and is projected to receive $450,000 <br /> next year. This change is due to fluctuations in the interest rate market. He added that <br /> municipal court revenue and EMS revenue will change as well. The general fund is <br /> balanced for $43.6 million in 2021. <br /> Council Discussion on budget topics <br /> Chairman Bullock thanked the Finance staff for their innovative work. <br /> Councilmember Litten shared his surprise that it appeared as if the city was budgeting as if <br /> it were a non-COVID affected year and asked for the administration's overall philosophy on <br /> budgeting. Director Rancatore clarified that normal events were budgeted for, such as 4th of <br /> July festivities,with the understanding that they might not happen. He noted that the city <br /> getting a handle on overtime and workers taking voluntary furloughs helped the city <br /> financially. He added that the administration has taken the approach of meeting with every <br /> department individually to get a deep understanding of each one's operations. <br /> Councilmember Litten questioned whether the budget was optimistic in projection. <br /> Director Rancatore indicated that he believes it is realistic, as it's based upon analysis of <br /> trends when the economy started to slow down. He added that he was impressed with <br /> Lakewood's resiliency this year,noting that it was in large part due to the large amount of <br /> residents the city has. Had the city been more reliant on larger businesses, its finances <br /> would have been hurt more. <br /> Councilmember Rader made comparisons to last year's budget process and inquired about <br /> cases where departments didn't get what they wanted. Director Rancatore stated that no <br /> one raised any issues with him and that the Finance Department did its due diligence <br /> among many competing interests. <br /> Councilmember Neff stated that the budget document is easy to follow and read, noting the <br /> importance of having conversations with departments to meet the operational needs and <br /> efficiencies of the city. <br /> Chairman Bullock stated that the committee will get into the rest of the ordinances on the <br /> agenda as it goes through the budget process. <br /> Councilmember O'Malley thanked the administration for a direct and clear presentation. <br /> Councilmember Kepple requested a physical copy of the budget document. <br />