The city of Burien is in good financial condition, finance director Scott Hardin told Burien city council members on June 2.

While the city's reserve funds are healthy, the growth in expenses is gradually outstripping expected revenues, according to Hardin. He said restrictions on property tax growth are partly to blame for the disparity.

The city sets aside about 10 percent for reserves. Hardin noted neighboring cities place about eight to 15 percent of their budgets in reserve.

Because much of Burien's expenses are for police services, costs for the King County Sheriff's Office contract "have a huge impact on Burien's budget," according to Hardin. Burien contracts with the county for police services.

Hardin has lowered revenue estimates on real estate excise, sales, gambling and Business & Occupation taxes because of the uncertainty in economic conditions this year.

"We will watch revenues very closely and adjust," Hardin concluded.

The council is set to approve June 16 a change from an annual budget process to a biennial plan.

In other business, City Manager Mike Martin informed lawmakers that King County and Seattle officials have indicated they are willing to talk to Burien officials about their intentions concerning North Highline annexation.

Burien council members voted May 19 to call for the annexation by election of the southern portion of North Highline.