FY20 Balanced Budget Focuses on Community’s Priorities
June 05, 2019
At today’s City Commission workshop, the City of Tallahassee balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) was presented as proposed by City Manager Reese Goad. The proposed FY20 budget provides the resources necessary to affect positive change in Tallahassee, while remaining fiscally responsible. The proposed budget focuses on the community’s highest priorities of public safety, infrastructure investment, quality of life and the impact of poverty and economic development.
“The proposed FY20 budget demonstrates the City of Tallahassee’s commitment to financial responsibility, while cultivating a flourishing community where passion and purpose combine for the betterment of all,” City Manager Reese Goad said. “The proposed, balanced budget allows the City to continue providing innovative, best-in-class service effectively and efficiently, setting the stage for us to remain a national leader in municipal service.”
Developed through a multi-stage process involving Commission input and public involvement, the proposed FY20 operating budget totals $727.08 million across 14 funds, including the General Fund and Utility Funds. The proposed FY20 budget assumes holding the millage rate at 4.1000 mills, maintaining operating costs at 2019 levels and investing in public infrastructure, such as sidewalks.
"We are headed in a positive direction with significant investments in community priorities, including public safety, infrastructure and quality of life,” Mayor John Dailey said. “Through a fiscally responsible and transparent decision-making process, the City of Tallahassee will continue providing world-class services at an affordable cost to residents."
Tallahassee’s neighborhoods are on track to be more walkable than ever with funding dedicated to the goal of completing ten sidewalk projects per year for each of the next five years via the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Other major infrastructure investments underway and on the horizon include the site selection and planning process for a Public Safety Campus and planning for future use of the newly acquired Northwood Mall property, both of which will be developed with community input to ensure long-term positive impact.
With the creation of positive, life-enhancing youth programs like TEMPO (Tallahassee Engaged in Meaningful Productivity for Opportunity) and equipping fire stations with life-saving technologies, such as Advanced Life Support systems, the City remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety. Technology enhancements that support the collaboration and sharing of information among law enforcement agencies coupled with citizen engagement and outreach programs will continue to help promote safe neighborhoods in FY20.
Continued support of human services programs will also help ensure Tallahassee continues to be recognized as a vibrant and livable city in FY20. Another long-term effort that seeks to create a positive impact is cultivating a more sustainable community. The Clean Energy Resolution approved by the Commission on Feb. 20 is helping guide the City’s policies, planning and growth in ways that enhance residents’ quality of life. This includes upgrading the City’s transportation fleet with new electric buses for StarMetro.
Leveraging Tallahassee’s position as Florida’s Capital City and a hub of higher learning and technological innovation will be key to furthering employment and economic opportunities in the new fiscal year. The City continually monitors the value and service received by residents by conducting the annual Municipal Cost Comparison (MCC). The MCC evaluates what residents in Tallahassee pay in taxes and fees for essential city services relative to 11 other peer cities in Florida. The FY19 MCC showed that Tallahassee continues to be the lowest cost provider in our peer group and has the lowest millage rate, despite having the second-largest service area and a large proportion of non-taxable property (government buildings, universities, churches, etc.).
Similarly, the Small Business/Commercial Cost Comparison for FY19, which shows the City’s costs for services for our local businesses, demonstrates a business-friendly environment in Tallahassee, which was strengthened by the Commission’s decision in July 2016 to repeal the business license tax. The City will continue to monitor costs and work to keep them competitive for the community while maintaining quality service.
The City is committed to a transparent budget process, and this workshop was part of the City’s ongoing budget series. The next budget update is scheduled for July 10. Public hearings for the proposed FY20 budget will take place during the City Commission meetings scheduled for September 11 and September 25. These hearings will begin at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 300 South Adams Street. FY20 begins on October 1.
City Commission meetings are open to the public, air live on WCOT (Comcast and CenturyLink channel 13) and stream live on Talgov.com and Facebook.com/COTNews.
Information about the City’s financials are available year-round through OpenGov and the City’s online budget, both accessible through Talgov.com.
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