The overview
The proposed budget, presented at a July 15 City Council meeting, includes $519.84 million in expenses, a $65.97 million increase from FY 2024-25.
This includes a tax rate increase by approximately $0.01 to a total of $0.363210 per $100 valuation due to the approval of the $350 million general obligation bond approved by voters in November 2024, according to agenda documents.
The recommendation includes several cost efficiencies, including a $2.1 million cut in personnel savings by eliminating 16 vacant positions and another $2.6 million in operational savings.
A closer look
The proposed $137.43 million general fund includes 44% toward public safety—more than any other category—with $32.03 million to the police department and $24.98 million to the fire department, according to agenda documents.
Officials also recommend a 5% increase and a $1 emergency debris recovery fee in the solid waste and recycling services, rising from $21.88 in FY 2024-25 to $23.97 this upcoming year.
What else?
Officials presented the city’s preliminary draft of its $766.02 million capital improvement plan, or CIP, for 2025-2030. The plan lays out the city’s financing and timing for projects over a five-year period.
A majority of the FY 2025-26 CIP—nearly $57.88 million—will go to municipal projects, according to the draft plan. Additionally, the proposed plan shows FY 2027-28 has the most funding allocated over the five-year period, taking up $219.30 million of the total plan cost.
Other key FY 2025-26 projects include:
- A new animal shelter
- Airport runway renovations
- Sidewalk rehabilitation
- Public safety training facility
The city is expected to propose a tax rate in early August, with budget approval slated for Sept. 16, according to agenda documents.
Other key dates include:
- Aug. 19: Record vote on tax rate
- Sept. 9: Public hearing on proposed tax rate
