Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bayport council adopts preliminary 2025 budget, preliminary levy and CIP; median home city portion estimated to rise about $131
Summary
Council adopted the preliminary 2025 budget, preliminary property tax levy and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Staff said the median-valued Bayport home ($375,500) would see an estimated city portion tax increase of about $131.31; council noted the levy can be lowered before final certification in December.
The Bayport City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 9 to adopt the preliminary 2025 budget, set the preliminary property tax levy and approve the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Staff presented background on the budget process, changes in budgeting practice intended to stop using general-fund transfers to fund capital by creating dedicated improvement funds, and a contingency for pending union contract negotiations. The proposed budget includes an earmark for a half-year full-time fire chief beginning mid-2025 and accounts for rising health and liability insurance costs. Staff noted Bayport received about $664,000 in one-time state small-cities assistance directed toward future street reconstruction and an increase of roughly $117,000 in fiscal disparities distributions.
Staff provided tax-impact illustrations: a median-valued Bayport home (about $375,500) was estimated to see an increase in the city portion of property tax of about $131.31; a $600,000 home would see an estimated city portion increase of about $269.35. Staff said approximately 453 homes fall at or below the stated median.
Council members emphasized the plan reflects a multi-year financial-management approach intended to preserve general-fund reserves while setting aside funds for capital needs. The preliminary levy and budget were adopted by roll-call vote; staff reminded the public that the truth-and-taxation hearing and public comment on the final levy will be held Dec. 2, 2024, when the council may only lower — not raise — the levy from its preliminary level.
Next steps: staff will publish the preliminary budget and levy, continue negotiations with unions, and return in December with final numbers for adoption.
