May 9, 2024 – Wyo4News
Prior to the Tuesday 7 pm Green River City Council meeting, city officials and council members discussed the fiscal year 2024-2025 city budget. This year, the city has proposed a total budget of $11,100,000, which is an 8% increase over last year.
The following information was provided by The City of Green River in a handout from the meeting.
Budget Highlights & Priorities:
- Continued focus on fiscal responsibility across all departments
- A couple of previously budgeted positions that were pulled from the budget or were in budget and delayed have been added back in (Parks and Recreation, HR Generalist, Main Street/Economic Development)
- Sinking funds that were created mid-year 2018 will be reviewed closer to final budget to determine if any balances can be increased (Parks and Recreation, Fire Department Truck and Vehicle Replacements, Roads, etc.)
- Met Community Service funding request levels for agencies
- Absorbed the healthcare increases for employees plus a cost-of-living allowance added to the compensation model
- Continued forward outlook on Economic Development/Communications/Marketing (including SEDC, Grants, Government Affairs, Humanizing the Organization, Economic Development Fund)
- Continued support of air service enhancement for Southwest Regional Airport
- Continued partnership in the Joint Communications and Command Center with a focus on reworking the percentages towards the recommendations of the JCCC board and staff.
Sales Tax Overview:
2023-2024
Budgeted Revenue: $10,200,000
Actual Revenue: $11,353,355
Vs. Budget: $1,153,355
2024-2025
Budgeted Revenue: $11,100,000
The sales tax revenue expectations were increased slightly based on an upward trend of the economy going into fiscal year 2024. The city has exceeded its forecasts by over $1.7 million which is believed to be due to partly the economy and partly inflation. The city was able to do some mid-year adjustments on critical items which reduces the carryover into next year.
The City is going into FY25 with a $75,000/month (8%) increase in sales tax revenues to help cover increased labor costs, fill a couple of budgeted and non-budgeted positions, and cover some inflationary cost increases. They are expecting to track to similar actual revenues this next fiscal year until impacts on the industrial projects begin sometime CY 2025. Some of the carryover balances and excesses will be used to fund some pending projects that have been on hold as revenue replacement carryover.
Fiscal Year 2025 Sales Tax Overview & 2025 Goals:
- Staying conservative while meeting basic budget needs and to begin to plan for prioritizing coming needs with expected revenue gains beginning 4th quarter FY25
- Maintain current levels of sinking funds – but add to a couple (Fire Department Truck and Vehicle Replacement)
- Discuss monthly and monitor internally the revenue model for general and enterprise funds
- Continue to brand, market, and communicate the 6 Penny successes and where projects and funding stand across the county
- Continue to embrace and adopt new technologies, progress as an adaptable organization, find cost-cutting opportunities throughout the organization, and implement service enhancements
They also aim to further develop the city goals which include:
- Humanizing the Organization including transparency, communication, and marketing
- Building legislative relationships locally, within the county, and the state
- Creating and seeking more grant opportunities
- Support and expand economic development within the city and the county
FY 2025 Community Service Grants
There was an increase of $59,428 compared to 2024. Major changes are from Green River Arts Council (with a $28,000 increase) and the Greenbelt Task Force (with a $25,000 increase).
The final budget will be approved on June 18th.
