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Apple Valley posts $150,000 annual surplus, $400,000 in savings; mayor outlines staff raises and new equipment
Summary
The mayor said the town created a balanced budget that produces a $150,000 annual surplus, a roughly $400,000 reserve, and interest income. He outlined recent hires, pay increases, equipment purchases and infrastructure spending meant to improve services without raising taxes.
Mayor, Town of Apple Valley, told residents the town has produced a balanced budget with an annual surplus of $150,000 and a savings balance of about $400,000 that is earning roughly 5% interest.
The surplus and interest are already contributing to town revenue: “So we're making $25,000 a year in our budget and interest right now,” the mayor said. He said his goal is to grow the savings account to equal the town's annual budget, which he identified as about $1.5 million.
The mayor credited cuts to wasteful spending and policy changes for the improvement in reserves. He said the town now has approximately $800,000 in its impact-fee (PTIF) account and that impact fees remain largely unspent.
Council decisions and staff changes highlighted in the address included converting two part-time public works positions to full time, giving town employees across departments pay increases to reach what the mayor described as “fair wages,” and hiring a new town attorney under contract.
Equipment purchases listed by the mayor included a backup emergency generator for the town building and fire station, a mini excavator for bar-ditch and drainage work, and a dump trailer for general maintenance. He also said one older water truck was sold and replaced with a more fuel-efficient used truck.
The mayor said the administration tested and mapped all fire hydrants, reporting that they passed pressure tests, and that the town secured a permanent steel building for an auxiliary fire station to replace leased space.
The town also launched regular public outreach, including a monthly “coffee with the mayor” session and a town texting app for residents who do not use social media. The mayor said some event-related fees were raised to offset costs and that new fees were created for drone use, large special events, and use of dirt roads.
The mayor closed by saying the financial changes allow the town to support residents and small businesses without relying on constant appeals for additional tax funding.
Looking ahead, the mayor said the reserve and new revenue tools will help fund planned projects — including continued drainage work, improvements to town buildings and equipment replacement — and that the town will continue to look for grant and partner funding to reduce costs to residents.
