Budget & Finance
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Message from the Mayor's Office Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Annual Budget Message It is my pleasure to present a fiscally balanced budget to the City of Edgewood with no ad valorem rate (property tax) increase. The budget affirms our policy of fiscal conservatism, and the city continues to be debt-free. The City Council voted unanimously not to increase the city’s millage rate. City Council, city staff and I examine the budget line-by-line every year beginning in June and completing the budget plan in September. We know that with limited resources, we must carefully consider all our plans to ensure we are maintaining the quality of life and level of services the residents and businesses of Edgewood have come to expect. The City will continue to maintain our roads and sidewalks and stormwater needs. Preserving Edgewood’s treasured tree canopy is also an ongoing concern, and we ask businesses and residents to do their part in keeping their trees well-maintained and healthy. There were a few significant challenges to the budget this year. The bridge on Harbour Island will undergo required maintenance work this year (Even small bridges are quite expensive to build and maintain.). City staff will receive a 5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase, and we negotiated a new contract with the union representatives for our police officers. The city agreed to a “step plan,” which came to an approximate 10% increase overall, based on a 5% COLA plus a 5% competitive market increase. Lastly, the City Council approved funding for a Deputy Chief for our Police Department. If you were unaware, we’ve been dealing with vacancies on our force, which meant several officers were working overtime and unable to take needed time off. This was especially tough through COVID. With a new Deputy Police Chief, we will be able to maintain two 24-hour patrols without requiring overtime or without officers being required to give up time off or specialized training. This is an example of why planning and prioritization are fundamental to the city’s fiscal well-being. Please look at the website at www.Edgewood-fl.gov/cityhall/page/budget-finance and read the final budget. We value your input, which guides us toward a shared goal of keeping Edgewood the best place to live, work, and play. Sincerely, John Dowless |
