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Monroe council reviews $72.4 million proposed 2025–26 budget in first hearing
Summary
City Budget Officer Dan Richards presented a proposed $72.4 million FY2025/26 operating budget on March 11, 2025, calling it a balanced plan. The proposal relies heavily on sales tax (about 63% of general fund revenue) and includes spending increases in public safety and adjustments to pension and retiree-health costs.
Monroe Budget Officer Dan Richards told the City Council on March 11 that the Administration’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget totals $72.4 million and is structured as a balanced plan after transfers.
"We are looking at a 72.4 million dollar Operating Budget with a 3% increase for fiscal year 2025," Richards said, adding that estimated revenues were $70.8 million and estimated expenditures $68.1 million before accounting for transfers in and out that he summarized as a $1.5 million transfer in and a $4.3 million transfer out.
The nut of the proposal is the revenue mix: Richards said sales tax makes up roughly 63% of general fund revenue, with the Administration projecting about $45.5 million in sales-tax receipts (approximately a $1.3 million, or 3%, increase). Property tax is the second-largest source at roughly 12% of general fund revenue and is projected to rise modestly; fees and charges are the third-largest source at about $7.6 million.
City expenditures are also shifting. Richards said the largest increases are in public safety: the Fire Department would see a 5.7% increase (about $766,000) and the Police Department a 4.7% increase (about $666,000). He noted some internal reallocations, including moving the trash container division out of Administration and into Public Works (garbage).
On benefits and long-term costs, Richards reported a reduction in the employer pension contribution from 29.5% to 28%. He also said retiree-healthcare-related costs increased by about $2 million (roughly 3% over the previous year). Richards said he had not yet received finalized rate letters for all plans; a potential police retirement rate change appeared likely but was pending, and a Fire Department rate update had not been received as of the overview.
Chairman Juanita Woods opened the hearing and closed the presentation by thanking Richards for the overview. The Council reviewed the hearing schedule, which will consider revenues and each department and fund in more detail across the budget hearings, including Planning & Urban Development (general fund and CDBG), Engineering and capital infrastructure, Fire and Police, Community Affairs, Public Works (airport, transit, water, sewer, central shop), Administration, and City Expense.
Woods reminded the Council that, under the City Charter (Article V, Sec. 5-01), a public hearing and final adoption of the budget must occur no later than the April 8, 2025 council meeting. The special session adjourned at 5:30 p.m.; the Council Clerk, Carolus S. Riley, is listed as the contact for extended minutes and appointment listening.
The hearing on March 11 was an overview; no formal votes were taken. Department heads were present to answer questions during the scheduled hearings that follow.
