FY2025 Budget Message
Garner ’ s business sector continues to grow and thrive as well . WakeMed ’ s plans for an integrated whole-person health campus in Garner ’ s E-District and the U . S . Department of Veterans Affairs medical clinic highlight the strength of the Town ’ s business sector and position Garner to become a health-care hub in the region . Town investment in small business support activities , the creation of a social district and traffic-calming measures in historic Downtown Garner bolster the creation of a vibrant destination in downtown . In addition , the Garner Forward Comprehensive Plan and Garner Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan — both approved in FY 2023-2024 — will guide our future development decisions , policies and practices .
I am proud that the recommended budget includes several new investments that help strengthen Garner ’ s foundation and future . This includes a reimagining of the Town ’ s performance merit system for employees , which allows employees to earn up to a 4 % increase annually and a market adjustment of 3 % that will help Garner stay competitive in the regional employment market . The FY 2024-2025 budget also includes enhanced health insurance , dental and vision insurance benefits at no additional cost to employees . In addition , this budget recommends a pay increase for Garner ’ s supplemental part-time staff , who are critical in keeping our parks programs and Town-supported events available and successful .
Included in the FY 2024-2025 Recommended Budget is the addition of 15.0 FTEs : 14 FTEs to support the Town and 1.0 FTE to support the Garner Fire-Rescue Department . To continue to support our growing park system and connect to our regional greenway systems , an additional 2.0 FTEs have been included in the FY 2024-2025 budget . These positions are dedicated to executing park and greenway capital projects , leveraging financial resources and developing a long-term sustainable strategy for the Garner parks system .
As a direct result of continued growth and development demands , 6.0 FTEs have been added to support Development Services . The Inspections Department performed 43,000 inspections , a 20 % increase , and issued 2,575 permits , a 10 % increase , in FY24 . Due to the increased workload , 4.0 FTEs for Inspections , 1.0 FTE for Planning and 1.0 FTE for Engineering have been included in the recommended budget . These positions will assist in streamlining service delivery and organizational functions to better respond to the needs of Development Services customers .
Garner continues to support and invest in the safety of our residents and community . This budget includes the addition of 4.0 Police corporals and 1.0 FTE for the Garner Fire-Rescue Department . The additional Police corporals will allow greater span of control for patrol services needed for a growing community and the safety of its residents . The additional FTE for Garner Fire-Rescue will support training efforts required to provide exceptional fire and first-responder services across the Town .
Finally , the budget includes 1.0 FTE for Communications and 1.0 FTE for Public Works . These positions support ongoing functions that interact with residents . A right-of-way specialist in Public Works will allow the department to meet the growing demand of maintaining aesthetics and improving sightlines in many of the public right-of-way sections of the Town . A communications specialist will assist with connecting with the public in many of the common media platforms , providing greater community outreach and engagement with our residents .
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