Recommended FY 2022-2024 Operating Budget and CIP

The chart below shows the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) since March 1982 to March of 2022:

Historical CPI

350.0

9.0%

8.0%

300.0

7.0%

Hundreds

250.0

6.0%

5.0%

200.0

4.0%

150.0

3.0%

2.0%

100.0

1.0%

50.0

0.0%

0.0

-1.0%

Index 1982

Annual % Change

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

With that said, the fast recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued strong growth of the City’s existing tax base have afforded the City not only to maintain its current service levels but to enhance services in some areas. The Recommended Operating Budget includes service enhancements for certain areas that have been identified as priorities by the Council, totaling about $4.7 million for the next two years for all funds, including approximately $0.8 million to replace outdated Computer-Aided Dispatch/Records Management System for the Police Department and new Breathing Apparatus and Defibrillators for the Fire Department in the current year budget. Most of the proposed enhancements, 73% of the total or $3.5 million, are aimed to address the ongoing priority of “Enhancing Public Safety”, including additional staffing and equipment for the Police Department and to begin funding for staffing the City’s Third Fire Station. About $0.7 million or 15% of the total is to further the ongoing priority of “Fostering a Positive Organizational Culture”, including adjustments for certain classifications to keep the City competitive with surrounding jurisdictions, as well as creating new classifications such as a new Utility Worker classification to address retention and recruitment issues that have been impacting the City. Included in the proposed list of enhancements is additional funding of about $80,000 annually (from $120,000 to $200,000) for Community Promotions to support community organizations through fee waivers, event sponsorships, and program support.

BUDGET MESSAGE 15