CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN

The Capital Improvement Projects budget identifies those special projects or large asset acquisitions that are requested by each respective department manager. There are several criteria established to distinguish between capital needs and daily operational needs. If the acquisition is a one time, high dollar amount and the asset economic and useful life is more than one year, then the acquisition meets the definition of a Capital Improvement.

In the process for budgeting Capital Improvements, each department manager is required to submit a request to fund a special capital improvement and must identify the source of funds. Approval comes from Levy Court if the improvement meets the organization's long term goals.

The project costs and the revenue sources to fund the Capital Improvements are listed below. The General Fund will contribute approximately $1,086,000 from current taxes and service fees; $500,000 from the Realty Transfer Tax; $124,000 from the Recorder of Deeds Office; and Federal and State grants will make up $821,600.

The impact of additional funds for daily operations relating to the outlined capital improvements will be minimal for FY01. The County does not anticipate any significant increases to the operating budget, short term or long term, as a result of the capital improvements.

Highlights of Future Capital Improvement Projects

Continued upgrading is planned for the County's personal computer network and other enhancements schedule in the Computer Services Master Plan.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a high tech, high-cost technology that will benefit the County. Money is being allocated to perform the preliminary work necessary before a system is chosen. Spread over a number of fiscal years, the total cost for a GIS application is substantial; however, the potential for improved management of County operations makes the expense well worth it.

An upgrade of the County’s Automated Library System is planned for FY 01.

Planning and construction of a Smyrna Paramedic Station.

A significant investment in the development of Parks and Greenway Trails throughout the County.

A new Kent County Administrative Building and Complex is planned on Route 113 for fiscal years 2001 through 2003. It is expected that the project will take three years to complete at a cost of $12.6 million. A combination of annual contributions from the General Fund, Realty Transfer Tax Collections, proceeds from the sale of the Kent County Courthouse and O’Brien Administration Building to the State of Delaware, and possible bond issue and financial reserves. The county expects minimal impact on the tax rates due to the project.

Table 15.1 - Kent County Levy Court Capital Projects Fund

4-24-2000

				FY'00	FY'01	FY'02	FY'03	FY'04
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT
	Project Costs:
		Microfilm Reader / Printer		10200	0	0	0	0
		Vehicles		0	0	42000	0	0
			Total	10200	0	42000	0	0
	Source of Funds:
		General Fund Contribution		10200	0	42000	0	0

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
	Project Costs:
		Administration Building Maintenance		50000	50000	50000	50000	50000
		Courthouse Maintenance		50000	50000	50000	80000	50000
		First Floor Office Conversion		60000	0	0	0	0
		Telephone System		150000	0	0	0	0
		Pickup Truck		0	14000	0	0	0
			Total	310000	114000	100000	130000	100000
	Source of Funds:

Highlights of Future Capital Improvement Projects

Table 15.1 - Kent County Levy Court Capital Projects Fund

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT