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Crowley council adopts two annual operating budgets after extended budget debate
Summary
The Crowley City Council adopted Ordinances 15-50 and 15-51 to finalize the city—s operating budgets for FY2024 (amendment) and FY2025. The meeting included debate about reserves, a cited 46.4% poverty rate and the city—s effort to address blight and attract industry.
Crowley—s mayor and council on Aug. 19 adopted two ordinances that finalize the city—s operating budgets, moving the city—s fiscal plan forward for the current and upcoming fiscal years.
The council voted to adopt Ordinance 15-50, an amendment finalizing the annual operating budget for the fiscal year beginning Sept. 1, 2024 and ending Aug. 31, 2025, and Ordinance 15-51, the operating budget for the fiscal year beginning Sept. 1, 2025 and ending Aug. 31, 2026. Both measures passed by roll call.
Why it matters: Council members and staff framed the votes as part of a broader effort to stabilize the city—s finances and address long-standing neighborhood blight. Mayor noted the connection between blighted properties and economic development, and said improving property conditions is one step toward reducing poverty and attracting business.
Council debate and context: Councilmember Samuel Reggie said he was satisfied after staff reviewed the budget with him but warned that rising poverty and outmigration could force deeper cuts. Reggie said he had discussed the budget with staff and was "satisfied to see that we added some more to the general fund," while still noting concern for department cuts.
The mayor urged a long-term view, stressing the need to grow fund balance and reserves. He also cited recent adjudication work: "As of eight-fifteen-twenty-five, 95 properties was adjudicated," he said, adding that 13 of those were later redeemed and that adjudication produced $73,834.83 tied to the process. The mayor argued cleaning up properties and enforcing code will help address poverty and attract businesses.
Several council members urged building dedicated reserves and avoiding reliance on one-time federal funds. Public safety and finance leaders urged departments to anticipate unplanned expenses and to create replacement reserves for major equipment and buildings.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 15-50 (FY2024 operating budget amendment): adopted (roll call passed). - Ordinance 15-51 (FY2025 operating budget): adopted (roll call passed).
What comes next: Council members said staff will continue implementing budget decisions, monitor revenues and report back on reserve levels and the status of adjudicated properties. The meeting concluded with procedural items and adjournment.
Quote: "I think that's a big deal towards the poverty issue," the mayor said of the recent code and adjudication work, urging continued enforcement and strategic economic development.
Sources: Council meeting, public budget presentation and council roll-call votes.
