North Fulton Today

The City of Roswell presented its proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2024 during the Special Called Mayor and City Council Meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Roswell residents are invited to explore the details of the $194.3 million proposed budget using the City's online interactive budget book at www.RoswellGov.com/Budget.

The first and second readings of the FY 2024 budget was took place on May 22 and June 12, respectively, with City Council taking its final vote on the budget on June 12 for the new fiscal year starting July 1. Public comment will be taken at each meeting.

Roswell residents are invited to explore the budget online and bring their questions and comments to the upcoming meetings. By visiting www.RoswellGov.com/Budget and clicking on the "Interactive" proposed budget button, residents can access detailed information through a user-friendly, online format. They can view the budget broken down by funds and departments—and even click into reports to see the detail. From there, residents can change views using different report and chart styles. A downloadable PDF version is also available.

Planning for the FY2024 budget included the implementation of a Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) process, which is a budgeting method that involves building the organization's budget from zero in an effort to verify that services are relevant and strategically aligned. Throughout the ZBB process, each City department was challenged to rethink its organization and re-envision how City services are delivered across departments in alignment with the City's Vision "to be the #1 family community in America." City staff and leadership illuminated countless innovative ideas and opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and effectively. The FY2024 budget implements many changes from ZBB process, including enhancing the strategic role of Information Technology, expanding Code Enforcement to enrich quality of life, and increasing investment into our City's Stormwater Management.

The proposed $194.3 million budget represents the City's commitment to providing the highest level of services in a fiscally responsible manner. Highlights of the budget include:

•    A balanced budget, with revenues exceeding expenditures

•    Maintenance of a General Fund Reserve of 25% or $23.4 million

•    Proposed budget continues the prioritization of Public Safety Initiatives, including ongoing implementation of the transition to a full-time Fire Department, an addition of a full-time Emergency Management position, and best-in-class compensation for 911 communications.

•    Average 3% merit-based compensation increase for City employees

•    $5 million for Historic Parks and Botanical Gardens Division Activation and Maintenance Plan

•    More than $30 million in capital investment

For additional information about the proposed budget, including links to presentations and upcoming meetings, visit www.RoswellGov.com/Budget. For more information or to submit questions, email budget@roswellgov.com.

Original source can be found here.