Gregory J. Thramer, Finance Director

Mission:  To be courteous, respectful, helpful and efficient in serving the public and the citizens of Burlington, elected officials and city departments.  The Finance Department is committed to the highest quality of financial management and accountability.

The Finance Department is responsible for the overall financial operations of the city, which include: budgeting, accounting, vendor payment, debt and cash management, payroll, and revenue and tax collection.

In addition to issuing business licenses and utility bills, the department prepares the City's Annual Budget and Annual Financial Report.  It provides revenue/expenditure monitoring and projection, records all accounting transactions, and develops accounting procedures and reports. Its duties also include cash management and control, budget coordination, management of audit costs, financial oversight and assistance in grant administration, as well as acts as a liaison between City staff and the State Auditor.

The Finance Department manages the utility billing, issues business licenses, collects franchise fees and utility licenses and taxes, and manages the Greenhills Cemetery on Gardner Road.  Effective April 2004, the City of Burlington contracted garbage and recycling services with Waste Management of Skagit County.  Garbage collection and residential recycling is required for all residences and businesses within the city limits.  Waste Management of Skagit collects garbage and recycling as usual on all weekday holidays except Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November), December 25 and January 1.  If your collection day falls on Thanksgiving, December 25 or January 1, your service will be delayed one day. 

Message from Waste Management Skagit: If residential garbage, recycling or yard waste is not collected due to weather, please remove containers from the street. Up to twice as much material will be accepted with no extra charge on the next regulary scheduled collection day for each container not emptied. Please click here to read the WM Collection Day Bulletin Board.