|
|
NEWS RELEASE
Date: Sept. 24, 2024
Contact: (317) 571-2474 or media@carmel.in.gov
Release: Immediate
|
|
2025 budget supports transparency, bold goals of Elevate Carmel plan
|
|
|
CARMEL, Ind., Sept. 24, 2024 - Carmel City Council members will meet with staff leaders this week in public sessions to review an annual budget that features a first-time model aligning with the city’s bold strategic goals.
“Our city has experienced remarkable growth and faces complex challenges,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “Thanks to multiple points of input, we have developed a financial road map that offers a strategic advantage, aligning spending with our community’s evolving needs, allowing us to better serve our residents.”
The 2025 proposed City budget, to be outlined this week in budget workshops, totals $234.8 million, with a General Fund budget of $146 million.
The budget will be introduced to the council on Oct. 7 and will be eligible for adoption at the Oct. 21 council meeting. Carmel’s budget for 2024 was nearly $209 million.
For the first time, the city pursued a zero-based budgeting model, an approach widely recognized for supporting data-driven, transparent operations, as well as fiscal discipline.
As part of the process that requires every dollar to be justified rather than basing a new budget on prior year allocations, a zero-based budget represents a fundamental shift from traditional budgeting methods. In introducing the approach as part of her campaign, Mayor Finkam noted that zero-based budgeting fosters accountability and proactive planning while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
The mayor’s proposed budget continues strategic investments, focusing on:
|
|
|
World-Class Public Safety
Ensuring unparalleled community protection through proactive risk management and professional emergency response.
Fiscal Responsibility
Optimizing resource allocation to guarantee long-term financial stability and growth.
Aesthetic Appeal
Cultivating a visually stunning community that captivates residents and visitors.
|
|
Livability
Fostering an environment rich in diverse and engaging experiences for individuals and families.
Innovation and Growth
Nurturing a thriving ecosystem for city initiatives and businesses, embracing bold opportunities to expand, modernize and drive economic prosperity.
Employer of Choice
Hiring high-performing team members who can faithfully deliver on our mission.
|
|
The public workshops hosted by city councilors will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall and can be also be viewed live on the City's Facebook page, cable channel or YouTube channel.
Chief Financial Officer Zac Jackson will present the budget again at the Oct. 7 City Council meeting, with a vote expected at the Oct. 21 meeting. Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on the budget at both council meetings.
“Through this strategic budget, Carmel is positioned to be a model of fiscal responsibility and innovation," said Mayor Finkam. "Together, we can build a brighter future for our city and all who call Carmel home.”
This link takes you to an infographic that illustrates how resources will be directed to support the Elevate Carmel strategic plan.
###
About the City of Carmel, Indiana
The City of Carmel is a thriving community in Central Indiana and is ranked one of the most livable mid-size U.S. cities. Known nationwide for pioneering urban design, Carmel has received numerous awards for its community amenities, quality of life, business environment and excellent schools, and continues to build community for those who live, work, play and visit the city. For more information, visit www.carmel.in.gov.
|
|
|
|
