SE Valley Times

The Tempe City Council is actively seeking public input on the Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget planning process. According to a report by the City of Tempe, more opportunities are available for community members to voice their opinions and help shape the city's budget priorities.

As part of the engagement efforts, two public budget forums were already conducted on February 6, 2024. However, additional avenues for input are still open to the public. One such opportunity is an online survey that allows participants to allocate a hypothetical $100 towards different city service options. The survey, available until March 6, 2024, aims to guide the Council on where to allocate resources within the city's budget. Interested individuals can access the survey at tempe.gov/forum.

In addition to the online survey, the City Council will be hosting Work Study Sessions monthly through April 2024. These sessions provide detailed insights into the budget planning process. The upcoming session on February 22, 2024, will focus on introducing the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and updating the long-range financial forecast for the city's major operating funds.

The budget development process involves separate procedures for the capital budget and the operating budget. The presentation of the five-year CIP outlines proposed capital projects by city departments, offering transparency on how these projects align with community priorities. Furthermore, a long-range financial forecast for major operating funds sets the stage for the upcoming budget process and future operational needs.

Moving forward, on March 25, 2024, a Work Study Session will present the initial recommended Five-Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2024/25 through 2028/29. This session will reflect revisions based on Council feedback and provide an overview of funding sources and significant projects within the plan.

As the budget process unfolds, special Budget Meetings are scheduled in May and June 2024. The final adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024/25 budget is set for June 6, 2024, with a focus on the annual operating and capital budgets. Following Arizona State Statutes, formal adoption requires approval at two separate Regular Council Meetings to ensure a transparent and accountable process.

The City of Tempe emphasizes the importance of public participation in shaping the budget. For more information on the budget planning schedule and process, individuals are encouraged to visit tempe.gov/BudgetPlan or contact the City Clerk’s Office. Meeting dates and times are subject to change, and interested parties are advised to verify the information provided.

In conclusion, the City of Tempe is dedicated to engaging with the community to create a budget that reflects the needs and priorities of its residents.