Weakened economy takes toll on Battle Ground, Ridgefield budgets

It’s no secret Clark County cities were experiencing good financial times three years ago. In Ridgefield, developers built 315 homes, and in Battle Ground, the city built up an impressively hefty savings balance.

This week, though, both cities face tightened budgets for consideration, a glaring glimpse at tough times ahead. Battle Ground approved a two-year budget Monday night, for 2009-2010. Ridgefield council members will likely pass theirs on Thursday night.

-- Battle Ground’s population has increased from less than 10,000 residents eight years ago to nearly 17,000.

-- The budget is $51.8 million over two years. Prior, the city had a 25 percent fund balance but will cut that to 15 percent.

-- The budget includes a 16 percent overall increase for salaries over two years, including annual increases, state-approved increases and law enforcement incentive pay. Since 2000, the number of city employees has increased from 47 to 89. The budget also includes the new Parks Department, which folds in maintenance previously done by the Public Works Department.

--Also, the city must increase its storm drainage fund by 217 percent to $330,000 to comply with the state’s clean water program.

-- On the chopping board is the drug investigation fund, cut by 55 percent to $21,000.

Looking ahead: No layoffs or hiring freeze, though neither is off the table if economic conditions don’t improve by next year, city Finance Director Cathy Huber Nickerson said.

The building slowdown has resulted in just 31 homes being built so far this year in this city of about 4,000 residents.

-- Next year’s proposed budget is $3 million, down 20 percent, or $750,000, from 2008.

-- The city eliminated six positions earlier this year, including one police officer job, resulting in four layoffs.

Looking ahead: City Manager Justin Clary believes the market will rebound and that houses will start being built again. Southwest Washington Medical Center owns land by the Ridgefield interstate exit and there are plans to build a campus there.