November 17, 2023 / By mobanmarket
BATAVIA, IL — City officials revealed Monday a $95.7 million total budget for Batavia in 2024.
The number does not include interfund transfers, which don’t represent spending but rather moving between funds, and capital spending. Total expenditures are budgeted at $157,066,955, according to documents.
The proposed budget, pending City Council approval, does not increase property taxes. Electric rates, which have not increased since 2015, will also remain the same. But increases to water and sewer rates of 3 and 8 percent, respectively, are recommended beginning in January.
The total capital is budgeted at $56,397,346, with the largest planned project being Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, documents show. The city was awarded about $38 million by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the rehabilitation project to address excess flow and odor control issues, Patch reported.
The second-highest cost is purchased power at $37.1 million; costs are projected to be about $1.6 million lower in 2024, officials said. The next highest cost accounts for salaries, at $22.8 million, and benefits, at $16.3 million. That includes a new hire request in the information technology department as well as two police officers.
With the proposed budget, the city’s non-union employees will receive a 3.5 percent salary increase.
“We have been fortunate to have sufficient revenues to fund these new initiatives,” Finance and Budget Director Peggy Colby wrote in a letter presenting a budget overview. “However, we can’t expect revenues to keep pace with spending, particularly with the high levels of inflation we have seen in the last year. So, although there is money now, it can change quickly, and we need to keep that in mind. With the increases in water and sewer rates and an increase in electric rates in 2025, we should do our best not to increase taxes too much in 2025.”
RELATED: Batavia Receives $38M To Upgrade Wastewater Treatment Facility
The general fund, which accounts for the city’s day-to-day operations, is budgeted with a deficit of about $2.3 million. City officials said it includes about $800,000 in pay-as-we-go capital spending and $4.3 in capital transfers.
“In the past, we have had deficits budgeted, but revenues came in higher and spending came in lower,” Colby said. “This does not always happen, but we have sufficient reserves to cover the spending for at least 2024 and perhaps 2025.”
The budget also coincides with the city’s new Strategic Plan that will be implemented from 2024 to 2027. It includes investments in recommendations for the new Bike and Pedestrian Plan meant to “enhance safety and accessibility, promoting alternative modes of transportation while fostering a healthier and more environmentally friendly city.”
Details of the plan will be uploaded to the city’s website after City Council approval.
City Administrator Laura Newman wrote in her budget transmittal letter that the city’s Capital Investment Plan is ambitious, as multiple projects are planned to improve Batvia’s infrastructure.
“These projects will not only enhance our city’s appearance but also contribute to its resilience, ensuring a higher quality of life for everyone,” Newman said. “From roads to public spaces and utilities, our commitment to modernizing and maintaining our infrastructure remains steadfast.”
City Council will discuss the proposal at a special Committee of the Whole meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday. A week later, at 7:05 p.m. Nov. 14, the city will hold a public hearing, when residents are invited to share their opinions.
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