402 Tacoma Avenue S., Suite 200 TACOMA, WA 98402 PHONE (253) 627-4853 FAX (253) 627-2253
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012
Vol. CXXIII, No. 207
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Since 1890
Tacoma Rail moves closer to $6.2M budget increase
By Todd Matthews, Editor Tacoma City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance Tuesday that would direct an additional $6.2 million from Tacoma Rail's operating fund to balance its budget by the end of this fiscal year. Instead of a drop in activity or the economic downturn, Tacoma Rail officials say increased volumes at the Port of Tacoma and other business opportunities have forced the budget increase. Tacoma Rail saw an increase in intermodal traffic in July and August as a result of the opening of the Grand Alliance, a consortium of shippers that includes Hapag-Lloyd, Orient Overseas Container Line, NYK Line, and ZIM Integrated Shipping that began operating on July 2 at the Port of Tacoma's Washington United Terminal. The result? A spike in expenses related to personnel, fuel, and operating supplies put Tacoma Rail 29 per cent over budget. Similarly, commercial freight rail volumes are on pace to exceed the biennium budget by 17 per cent, according to Tacoma Rail officials. In August, Port officials reported a 20 percent increase in container volume activity compared to the same month last year. Last month, Port officials reported a 14.5 per cent year to date gain in international container volumes. Officials also point to Tacoma Rail's increased involvement with construction at Union Pacific's service facility and a track expansion project at Targa Sound Refining as other reasons for the budget adjustment. "This is definitely good news for Tacoma Rail as we have been able to take advantage of business opportunities for traffic growth beyond that budgeted two years ago," said Tacoma Rail finance and technology manager Dan McCabe Tuesday at City Hall. McCabe was on hand for the first reading of the ordinance amending Tacoma Rail's budget. "Although Tacoma Rail expenses are expected to be over budget, so are the revenues. Over the biennium, net revenues and expenses are anticipated to be positive." TPU's Board of Directors reviewed the issue during its meeting Oct. 10. Tacoma City Council's government performance and finance committee discussed the issue last week. The ordinance is scheduled for a final reading and full council vote on Tues., Oct. 30 at City Hall.
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2013 community-based Arts Projects funding now available
Posted online Tues., Oct. 23 The City of Tacoma is now accepting Arts Projects funding applications from eligible organizations producing publicly accessible arts programming within Tacoma city limits in 2013. Arts Projects funding ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 and is used to support community projects that focus on the arts. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Dec. 6, 2012. Applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop, which explains and addresses questions about the application and funding process. The workshop will be held Nov. 8 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., Room 434. Past funding has supported a variety of projects including but not limited to arts components of festivals; arts workshops; dance, theater, and music performances; youth-focused arts programming; arts-focused cultural and historical events; exhibits; and literary events. Funded events must take place between Jan. 21, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2013. Eligibility extends to private non-profit agencies with a 501(c) designation; organized groups of community volunteers (such as a business district or neighborhood council with an advisory body, business license and organizational bank account); and for-profit businesses with an arts mission proposing a unique project designed specifically for public benefit that is not for profit. Applicants are required to have offices within Tacoma or if they have no office, a majority of the applicant's activities must take place within the Tacoma city limits. Other eligibility requirements apply; see guidelines for complete terms. Funding for Arts Projects is determined through a competitive application process. Actual
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City Council approves 2 contracts for Olympia, Washington DC lobbyists Tacoma City Council approved two resolutions Tuesday that will direct nearly $320,000 toward legislative lobbying services over the next two years. The first resolution awards a $163,680 contract to Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs for legislative lobbying services in the Washington State Legislature. According to documents prepared by city staff, the city requires additional, year-round resources and expertise to address legislative issues that arise in Olympia and potentially impact Tacoma City Hall. The second resolution awards a $155,239 contract to Simon and Company for legislative lobbying services in Washington, D.C. According to documents prepared by city staff, Simon and Company has represented the City of Tacoma for several years, is well acquainted with the city's issues, and has represented Tacoma's interests before Congress, the Administration, and Federal regulatory agencies. The firm also provides assistance to councilmembers and city staff when they travel to Washington D.C. on city business. contract amounts will be based upon availability of funds and the review of each application as measured against evaluation criteria detailed in the guidelines. No funding is guaranteed until official approval of the budget by Tacoma City Council. Organizations interested in applying for Arts Projects funding can read about past funded projects and download the guidelines and application form at tacomaculture.org/arts/funding.asp. Application forms are also available by calling (253) 5915191 or emailing nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org.
2 public meetings planned to finalize Port of Tacoma budget Posted online Tues., Oct. 23 Port of Tacoma commissioners have scheduled two public meetings to consider the Port's 2013 budget, business forecast, finance plan and tax levy. The first budget meeting on Thurs., Nov. 8 will include an in-depth look at business forecasts, capital building plans, the tax levy and the 2013 budget. Commissioners will invite public comment at this meeting. Community members are encouraged to attend this meeting to hear how the Port's budget is formed and to provide input before the budget is adopted. The second and final meeting on Thurs., Nov. 15 is a special public hearing to formally adopt the
2013 statutory budget, tax levy and authorization to bank excess tax levy capacity. More budget information and materials will be available by Oct. 31 on the Port's Web site at portoftacoma.com/budget. Hard copies of the presentation also will be available at the Port administration building and at both meetings. Both meetings will be held at noon in Room 104 of the Fabulich Center at 3600 Port of Tacoma Rd. in Tacoma. The public is encouraged to attend. Meetings also are streamed live from the Port's Web site at portoftacoma.com/webstreaming and are later broadcast on Click! and Comcast throughout Pierce County.