Burien lawmakers approved Nov. 21 a 2006 city budget that will maintain and improve the current level of services and fund projects such as Town Square. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Linda Gorton told city council members before their vote that taxes will account for 70 percent of the revenue for the new $19.9 million operating budget.She noted that of the projected expenditures, public safety accounts for 45 percent, followed by general government and public works.In addition, the budget includes several major capital projects: $23.4 million for Town Square; $16.3 million for the Burien Community Center; $4.4 million for the Senior and Activity Center; and $9.8 million for the First Avenue South Improvement Project.

Staffers noted that the city will continue to fund these capital projects with existing revenue and expected grants.

"We have $68 million for capital improvements and we have leveraged local revenues quite effectively," observed Gorton.

"Thirty percent is local revenue; 35 percent is grant revenue and repayment on the debt is from local sources also."

She also highlighted changes from this year's budget, which included $60,000 for arts and human services development and fundraising; $12,500 for expanded support and community events; $70,000 for human services; and $60,000 for development services.

Funding from the Highline School District will enable the Burien Police Department to add a new school resource safety officer at Highline High School, according to staffers.

New positions that will be funded by increased permit revenues include an additional permit technician and assistant planner to ensure that city standards for customer service and timely review of applications will continue to be met.

Council members also adopted the city's 2006 property tax levy.

According to Gorton, the rate for 2006 will be $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed value.

On a $350,000 home, this will be an increase of $45 per year, or a 1 percent increase in overall property taxes, she noted.