Elimination of the Council Tree Pow Wow will save the City of Delta about $41,000 in 2010, but organizer Wilma Erven hopes the event will return in 2011.

During a budget work session last week, Mayor Mary Cooper said the pow wow seems to have “outlived its cycle.”

In 2008 the event generated $64,105; this year — its 15th — it dropped to $45,758 (before expenses). While rain was a factor, there seems to be a “been there, done that” attitude from area residents.

“It’s time to give it a rest,” Cooper said.

The three Ute tribes who have partnered with the city’s culture department were approached about cost-sharing the event, but Erven said she’s had no feedback.

“There has been some discussion, but discussion doesn’t necessarily end up in action,” interim city manager Glen Black said.

“I certainly don’t want to throw the pow wow out, but if we’re not getting support it makes no sense to keep it,” council member Guy Pfalzgraff said.

Council members expressed the hope that the event can be revitalized and brought back in the future.

“The diversity and beauty that it brought to Delta for all of these years was so inspirational,” commented Jo-an Barnett, a resident of Delta. “I think that Wilma Erwin, staff and volunteers should be honored for their long-term commitment to Delta’s signature event.”

The City of Delta is anticipating a drop in revenue of about $650,000 over 2009, with about a third of that drop expected in sales tax revenue. After making widespread budget cuts, the city is counting on fund balances and municipal light and power transfers to cover the shortfall. That’s a dangerous trend, Black pointed out. ML&P is facing debt service and an increase in the price of purchased power, which will result in a “significant” drop in margins over the next five years. By 2014, Black estimates, transfers to the general fund, golf course and unemployment fund will send ML&P into a negative balance.

The one bright spot is the rec center, which has a “healthy” fund balance and where revenue is antici-

pated to be $44,000 higher than expenses. Golf course revenues are up over 2008, but fall short of the budgeted goal for 2009. A transfer of $611,000 from the municipal, light and power fund will be needed to balance the budget for 2009, with another $544,717 anticipated for 2010.

Cutting back the city’s flower program will result in the elimination of a seasonal employee, as well as a $4,000 savings in the cost of the flowers. The business enhancement program will not be funded in 2010, though Delta County Economic Development submitted a proposal for those funds.

Step increases, merit and cost-of-living raises have been eliminated for all city employees, though they will see an increase in benefits due to rising costs for health and vision insurance.

The budget was to be reviewed a final time Tuesday, Nov. 17, prior to formal adoption by city council.

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