City staff will present the proposed 2024 fiscal budget and will have two public hearings at Monday’s City Commission meeting.
The budget, which was previously discussed at a special meeting in July, will be presented to commissioners.
The city is recommending a flat mill rate of 39.001 for 2024, but the city is expected to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Monday’s meeting will have a public hearing for both the revenue neutral rate and fiscal budget.
The budget’s main goals are economic development, parks and recreation, expanding city services, infrastructure, communication and community engagement.
The city is expecting an increase in revenue growth for 2024, with a 10% increase in assessed value for the city. This will increase property tax revenues for the city, but the city is not proposing an increase in property or sales tax for next year.
The city already approved the next five years of capital improvement plans during the last commission meeting in preparation for the 2024 budget to be passed.
For 2024, projects include cemetery storm sewer improvements, fire response vehicle enhancements, chip seal improvements, aquatic center maintenance and fitness room equipment. The total cost for the 2024 plan is nearly $1.7 million.
The plans show a splash pad and spray park is in the plans for 2026 and 2027 and new trails and connectivity for 2028.
Utility rates will increase for 2024 if the budget is approved as is, with a 5% increase to water, 7% to wastewater and 3% to electric.
The proposed budget includes the following new items:
Economic development:
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Continued progress on a future youth sports and entertainment arena
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Intech Business Park infrastructure
Parks and Recreation:
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Parks and Rec master plan phase 1
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Outdoor restrooms at Bluejacket Park
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Fitness room enhancements
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Expanding the Parks and Rec programmer to a full-time position
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Aquatic Center maintenance
Infrastructure:
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Hunters Ridge electric
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Wastewater treatment plant bar screen
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Rotary mower for clearing right of ways and storm drainage
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Utility infrastructure investments i.e. preparing for water treatment plant now so it doesn’t hit the budget all at once
Communication and community engagement:
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Fire department strategic plan
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Parks and Rec master plan
Expanding city services:
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School resource officer implementation at elementary school and the purchase of ballistic shields for school officers
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Cemetery storm sewer improvement to expand cemetery and better the existing lots
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Response vehicle enhancements
The commission will also hear updates from the Eudora Area Historical Society’s Executive Director Ben Terwilliger. He will outline collaborations with the school district, exhibits and event and programming updates.
In other business, the city will consider a facility usage permit application for the annual fall market. The event will be Sept. 9 at the community center and Lucy Kaegi Park. Market coordinator Maria Elena Stadick is asking for permission to sell, possess, dispense and consume alcohol from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
City Clerk Kelly Delay will also present a proclamation for Sept. 11 to be considered a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The day will be a culmination of efforts to promote community service on 9/11 as a tribute to victims, survivors and those who served in response to the terrorist attacks.
The agenda said the day is ideal for residents to give back to the community or do a good deed, whether that be planting trees, running a food drive or cleaning up a neighborhood.
Director of Public Works Branden Boyd will discuss an update regarding the installation of a new UV system for the wastewater treatment plant. This was part of the GO bond, which the city approved Aug. 14.
The UV system they have now is the original one that was built in 1999 and is in need of a replacement. Boyd will present the proposal for the new UV system from Ray Lindsey Co. for $348,035. Funding will be provided by the GO bond.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]