NE Valley Times

Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson has unveiled the city's proposed Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, emphasizing a balanced and fiscally sound approach that prioritizes core services and community needs. Thompson stated, "This balanced and fiscally sound budget provides our citizens with a great return on their tax dollars by funding core services and community priorities, including the first phase of city ambulance services."

The proposed budget reflects a 10% decrease from the current fiscal year, citing expected declines in certain revenues, inflation, and a slowdown in consumer spending. Thompson highlighted the cautious approach taken in light of economic uncertainties, with a focus on workforce investments, inflationary impacts on capital projects, and City Council priorities.

Regarding the city's workforce, the budget supports initiatives to enhance the high-performance workforce through a comprehensive classification and compensation study and benefits adjustments. The majority of new positions are aimed at public safety, including staffing a new fire station and supporting ambulance transportation operations.

Community investments outlined in the budget include funding for ADA-compliant bleachers at WestWorld, Fire Department vehicle upgrades, and specialized training for the Fire Department. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget for FY 2024/25 is set at $1.09 billion, addressing rising materials and labor costs for various infrastructure projects.

In terms of revenue, the budget anticipates a modest increase in General Fund revenues, offsetting projected decreases in state-shared income tax and sales tax. The primary property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year is $0.4951 per $100 of assessed value, with a secondary tax rate of $0.3597 per $100. Scottsdale's property and sales tax rates remain among the lowest in the Valley, with a sales tax rate of 1.75% for most business activities.

The proposed budget will be discussed by the Scottsdale City Council on April 16, with tentative adoption scheduled for May 14 and final adoption on June 4. The budget aims to address key community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility and efficiency in resource allocation.