The General Fund is the City’s primary operating fund and accounts for all activities of the City except those required to be accounted for in another fund. The General Fund is a small part of the overall budget of the City of Tacoma - less than $400 million in the 2011-2012 budget out of a total budget of $2.7 billion.
The following provides a summary list of activities included in the General Fund as well as those which are accounted for in other funds.
General Fund Activities
Police
Fire
Public Works
Library
Community and Economic Development
Human Rights and Human Services
Municipal Court
Finance
Legal
Human Resources
City Manager
Legislative
Activities in other funds
Tacoma Power
Tacoma Water
Tacoma Rail
Wastewater
Surface Water
Solid Waste
Convention Center
Tacoma Dome
Permit Services
Parking Garages
Mountain Rail
Performing Arts
Activities accounted for in other funds are paid for by those who use the service through fees and charges for the services. For example, the Power Fund’s revenues come from base and usage charges charged to Power customers.
However, the General Fund receives almost 88% of its revenues from four tax sources:
- Property Tax (25%)
- Sales Tax (21%)
- Gross Earning Tax on utilities (22%)
- Business and Occupational Taxes (20%).
The remaining 12% comes from grants, license and permit fees, charges for services and fines.
For questions or comments regarding this web page please contact the Community Relations Office.