Popular Annual Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2013
March 2014
From the Mayor … Amarillo was founded in 1887, but it wasn’t until 1913 that a Charter Commission established a council-manager form of government – one of the first in Texas to do so. To honor that 15 member commission Paul Harpole and the document that essentially serves as the City’s constitution, the City of Amarillo kicked off a year-long Charter Centennial Celebration in November 2013 with a gala at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. In addition to celebrating the City’s Charter, the Gala paid tribute to the City’s rich history and the people who made Amarillo what it is today. The City also partnered with Amarillo Independent School District to host Education Days at the Amarillo Civic Center. The field trips taught 7th and 8th graders how government works while giving them a sense of pride in their community and a sense of what role they may play in the City’s future. Even with Charter amendments that were passed in the November 2013 election, Amarillo’s Charter remains one of the least amended charters in the state. One hundred years of working under the guidance of that document is incredible, and it demonstrates the dedication and foresight of those leaders. They, along with that document, have historically positioned Amarillo to be what it is today – a regional hub larger than some states in the northeast. Today we enjoy a diversified economy which has Amarillo well positioned for the next 100 years. We’re proud that Amarillo has the highest financial rating available. That’s not because of the efforts of today or yesterday, but because of a historical
effort. For that, we owe a debt of gratitude to our Charter Commission and to those who have followed in their footsteps. Through the years, the City of Amarillo has had to weather a few storms and 2013 was no exception. In fact, a blizzard that began in the early hours of Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 has been called ‘historic’ by the National Weather Service. It’s a day we’ll not soon forget, especially the weather essential personnel who had to brave the elements to provide services to our citizens. The City’s response was a tremendous coordination of efforts involving several departments. By the time all was said and done, 19.1 inches of snow had fallen. The response involved 509 employees, 174 vehicles and equipment, 250 tons of sand and so much more. Other highlights throughout the year included: Renewed
commitment to water conservation through the City’s “Every Drop Counts” campaign Successfully graduated nearly 50 participants in the Amarillo 101 Citizens Academy since its inception in fall 2012 Council’s visit to the state capitol for Panhandle Days Continued progress on a Multi-Purpose Entertainment Venue to include a downtown ballpark, convention hotel and parking garage First-ever REALTOR® Day at City Hall Opening of Fire Station 13 That’s just a small snapshot of 2013 in the City of Amarillo – a picture that will continue to develop well into 2014 and the City’s next 100 years. It’s a picture that wouldn’t be possible without the talents and dedication demonstrated by the City’s Finance division. I hope you’ll get a better view of the City’s vision through this comprehensive report.
City Facts Population: 196,336 Public Safety: Annual police services Annual fire services Number of fire stations Number of fire hydrants
128,704 18,182 13 3,864
Physical: Miles of streets Number of street lights Signalized intersections Miles of storm sewers
1,006.63 10,547 265 124.86
Airport: Number of airlines Scheduled flights Annual passengers
3 42 401,200
Culture and Recreation: Number of libraries Civic Center (sq ft) Globe News Center (sq ft) Park acreage Municipal swimming pools Tennis courts Tennis Center attendance Soccer fields Jogging trail mileage Rifle Range attendance
5 340,000 70,000 2,935 3 32 28,546 44 39.14 9,000
Solid Waste Management: Residential Customers Commercial Customers Landfill acreage Tons of waste collected Tons of waste landfill
62,351 3,716 662 158,500 258,000
Municipal Water Utility: Daily average water (gal) Water distribution miles Number of water wells Wastewater plants Transit: Number of buses Miles fixed route Fixed route passengers Spec-Trans passengers Purchasing: Number purchase orders Percent to local businesses
44,174,721 1,120 122 2 17 675,549 372,533 39,737
2,300 63%
INSIDE: Government-Wide Financial Statements, Sales Tax Revenues, PAFR Award, Citywide Expenses, General Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, Drainage Utility Fund, Airport Fund and more!