Mexico council adopts $25.5 million budget for fiscal year 2025

The Mexico City Council voted to adopt the city's fiscal year 2025 budget on Aug. 26 after a staff presentation and a public hearing with no public speakers. City staff said the total budget is estimated at $25,495,000, with total revenues estimated at $21,516,000 and planned expenditures exceeding revenues by about $3,900,000; that gap will be covered with project reserves, prior-year surpluses, grants and American Rescue Plan funds.

Bruce, the city's budget presenter, told the council the document was prepared in accordance with Missouri state statute and described the budget as the city's main policy plan. The presentation outlined planned infrastructure work, including streets and stormwater improvements, bridge replacement, downtown revitalization and workforce housing incentives. Staff also listed major fund-level figures: general fund revenues of approximately $6,993,000 and general fund expenditures of about $7,625,000; nonrecurring general fund capital expenditures total a little over $800,000.

The presentation highlighted grant and reimbursement funding expected in the coming year, including Missouri Department of Natural Resources stormwater grants (one stormwater mapping grant of $50,000 and a stormwater infrastructure grant reported at $1,300,000), expected ARPA-funded stormwater project revenue, and U.S. DOT reimbursements for completed airport runway lighting work. Staff also said Mexico began receiving sales tax revenue on adult-use marijuana after voters approved a 3% retail sales tax; receipts began in January 2024.

On personnel, staff said workforce participation has plateaued and that recruiting and retention pressures prompted a proposed longevity pay incentive; full-time authorized staffing remains at 84 positions though maintaining that level has been difficult. The budget also anticipates a possible sanitation base-rate adjustment up to 3% beginning April 2025 under the renewed refuse contract.

Council moved to read bill number 2024-452 by title and then voted to adopt the ordinance revising the 2023-24 budget and adopting the 2024-25 budget. Multiple councilmembers answered "Yes" on the roll-call vote, completing the formal adoption.

The budget document also acknowledged staff involved in preparation, including Roger Haines and Vicki Dinky. Council closed the public hearing with no public comment and moved on to other business.