FY2025 Budget Message
TO :
HONORABLE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM : JODI MILLER , TOWN MANAGER
DATE : MAY 2 , 2024
Town Manager ’ s Budget Message for FY 2024-2025
Mayor and members of Council , I present for your review and consideration the Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 totaling $ 74.5 million , which includes a 52-cent tax rate . This tax rate includes 43.5 cents to support the operating budget and 8.5 cents to support the Revenue Savings Plan , which funds the Town ’ s capital improvement projects . The recommended budget includes an eight-and-a-half-cent tax increase from the revenue neutral rate of 43.5 cents . The FY 2024-2025 recommended budget is an ambitious and strategic budget designed to meet the Town ’ s priorities and needs in FY 2024-2025 and to position the Town for success in the future . The FY 2024-2025 recommended budget is the blueprint for “ Building for Success .”
Annual budgets are a community ’ s expression of its values , priorities , and aspirations . The FY 2024-2025 budget theme of “ Building for Success ” aims to support and enhance Garner ’ s values , priorities , and aspirations . We rely on the blueprint created and supported by Town Council , Town staff and our residents to recognize and support the Town ’ s values and priorities . Approval and implementation of this blueprint guides our talented staff in creating a strong foundation for success that directly aligns with Town Council ’ s goals and priorities . This allows our forward-thinking Council the opportunity to invest not only in our present but in the Town ’ s future .
The Town of Garner is a growing and thriving community . According to our Planning Department , our Town has grown 8.4 % over the past year from 36,105 to 39,124 . With growth comes increased property values and service delivery demands . Wake County completed its revaluation process in January 2024 . Garner saw a 54 % increase in assessed property values across the Town , and Wake County overall saw an increase of 51 % in assessed property values . This is a direct result of the unprecedented growth the Town and County have experienced over the past several years . This level of growth has allowed the Town to continue its support of staff , and high-quality services and amenities for residents . This budget provides for investment in existing and new services and initiatives that continue to make Garner a great place to be .
Town staff has been hard at work advancing projects identified for the 2021 Bond Program . Several roadway projects such as the White Oak roundabout and Main Street streetscape improvements are underway . Design work continues on a destination park at the Yeargan property in North Garner , which will host youth sports teams and tournaments , and at White Deer Park , which will see improvements including a new inclusive playground and a splashpad for kids of all ages and abilities . Staff has also been successful in securing state and federal funding earmarks of more than $ 6 million to support the 2021 Bond Program and facility and equipment needs for the Public Works Department .
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