Excelsior Springs council adopts FY2025 budget, approves modest utility rate increases

The Excelsior Springs City Council on Sept. 16 adopted its fiscal year 2025 budget, approving an ordinance that sets spending and capital priorities for Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.

City Manager Molly McGovern presented the budget and said it reflects council priorities including fiscal responsibility, planned investments in infrastructure and economic growth, and protection of the city’s heritage. "I'm pleased to present the 24‑25 budget for your consideration," McGovern said, describing a proposed 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 2% merit increase for most positions.

The budget presentation outlined street and capital needs: the city’s combined pavement condition index was reported as 48, with a target score of 60. Staff proposed increasing annual street maintenance funding from $1.1 million to $1.7 million, a biannual reconstruction program of $1.1 million and funding for design and construction work on the Dry Fork and Garland Bridge projects.

McGovern highlighted several large grants and matches that will fund improvements. She said the RACE grant will leverage $27,500,000 for safe‑routes and Westside commercial improvements and that a congressional earmark of $4.5 million was identified for vehicle purchases; design work would begin in fall 2024 with construction expected in 2026.

The budget includes proposed utility rate adjustments to support water and sewer system improvements. McGovern presented the water base rate change from $16.31 to $16.97 and a water usage rate increase from $7.53 to $7.83 per 1,000 gallons. Transcript figures for sewer base and per‑thousand rates were unclear; the council and staff indicated the rates were reviewed as part of the utility fund analysis and a final rate schedule will be included with ordinance documentation.

A second reading and a formal vote were held during the meeting. The council approved ordinance 24‑09‑05 on a unanimous roll call vote, adopting the FY2025 budget and authorizing expenditures as presented.

The council also discussed personnel and technology investments, water‑system tasks (including a lead‑main inventory and lime abatement work) and planned use of federal funds for water plant and downtown streetscape projects. McGovern told council the tax rate would be set at a Sept. 27 meeting and that various studies and reports—such as a compensation study and pavement condition analysis—would inform final implementation.

The ordinance's adoption concludes the council's formal budget action for FY2025; next procedural steps include setting the tax rate and finalizing rate exhibits and implementation timelines.