Fort Collins proposes 2024–25 budget with $67,227 projected general fund surplus; tax rates unchanged

An unidentified speaker read the City of Fort Collins proposed fiscal year 2024–25 budget to the council, saying projected general fund revenues total $16,033,274 and will exceed expenditures after transfers by $67,227.

The budget message described the year as a continuation of existing projects and singled out several priorities: spending remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on projects including a new Tower Park Playground in Tower Park; the annual street resurfacing program; scheduled vehicle and equipment replacement; and wage increases for city staff. "Our projected general fund operating revenues total $16,033,274, a 6% increase over fiscal year 23 24," the reader said. The message added that the city has elected to keep all tax rates, including real estate taxes, the same for the fiscal year.

The reader reported general fund operating expenditures of $14,764,867 and attributed the year-over-year increase primarily to wage increases and higher health insurance costs. The message noted limited discretionary spending and said other city funds support routine operations and capital work. It identified the "K dot Road Fund" as the account for street surfacing and larger road projects, including reconstruction of the Rossford Avenue Bridge, and said the waste fee fund is higher this year because of added costs from the city's new waste collection contract.

The budget message was signed, as read, "Respectfully submitted, Eric Cost, mayor; Matthew Kramer, city administrative officer; and Joseph Wall, director of finance." After the reading, the presenter opened the floor for questions and comments. The transcript does not record subsequent questions or any formal vote on adoption during the recorded segments.

The city did not provide a formal adoption date or next procedural step in the recorded text; the council's review and any scheduled vote are not specified in the transcript.