Goddard reports strong 2025 year-end finances; city says three major projects can proceed without a tax increase

Goddard’s finance director told the City Council on Jan. 20 that 2025 closed out with stronger‑than‑expected revenue performance in several categories, positioning the city to fund planned projects without a property tax increase.

Chief Financial Officer Brooke Carroll said the general fund “performed well, with most revenue categories meeting expectations.” Carroll highlighted that alcohol taxes realized 276% of budget, property tax collections were 97.95% at $2.5 million, court and police revenue were at 92.57% of budget, and interest income came in at 165% of budget. Carroll also presented enterprise fund details: the water utility had operating revenues of $1.8 million, operating expenses of $1,025,000 and net operating income of $789,000; after transfers and debt service the water fund ended with a positive change in net position of $548,000. The sewer utility fund showed a change in net position of $133,450.

Carroll noted certain departments exceeded budget authority timing (Mayor and Council at 115% due to retreat/orientation expenses) while most other categories were under budget. She reported total city‑related debt of $105 million broken into city projects ($30.2M), special assessment projects ($28.7M) and developer projects ($51.1M).

Mayor Liebe said the city’s financial position would allow funding of three major projects — North Park, a Public Works facility and Water Looping — without increasing property taxes, citing continued valuation growth and sales tax receipts.

What to watch next: Staff will use the year‑end analyses in upcoming financing and budgeting steps and will present further details when specific project financing or bond issuance actions are required.