Government
BY ANNA MANESS
In a three-year budget model, Georgetown officials are evaluating ways to increase revenue and lower expenses as forecasts show the city’s operating expenses are outpacing revenue sources. At a May 13 City Council workshop, City Manager David Morgan said Georgetown could face an $80 million negative balance in the general fund by fiscal year 2027-28 if no action is taken. “This is not what we will propose, this is not what will happen,” Morgan said during his presentation. “This is ... us making sure that we’re doing our due diligence to manage our budget.” City eyes budget gap solutions
The approach
“I think we need to look at some creative strategies in order to make sure that we’re able to find the largest priorities and where the largest pressure points are,” Morgan said.
To address possible budget gaps, staff will explore short and long-term strategies including implementing new fees, calling an election for a higher tax rate, reducing city staff benefits and more.
Revenue generating ideas Increasing nonresident fees or out-of-city rates Evaluating the cost recovery of existing fees Evaluating new fees, including library fees or credit card utility billing fees Considering a tax rate election in future years
Expense reduction ideas
Adjusting facility maintenance Reducing travel and training programs for staff Reducing expenses at events Reducing employee celebration activities Delaying capital improvement projects Moving to a four-day schedule for city operations Reducing mowing right-of-way and parks Reducing recreation programming Reducing city staff benefits Outsourcing operations
Placing an ATM in city facilities Selling ads and merchandise
Funding forecast Morgan said the city is facing slowing revenue growth and inflation.
$100M $120M $140M $160M Projected revenues Projected expenses
Keep in mind
At a Jan. 23 Chamber of Commerce event, Mayor Josh Schroeder said public safety is an “expensive luxury” the city is committed to funding, emphasizing how the city’s No. 1 budget item every year is police or fire. Morgan said the finance department will submit a balanced budget later this year. A FY 2025-26 budget preview meeting is planned for July 8.
The three-year budget model helps city staff anticipate funding levels, plan for future needs and identify potential budget shortfalls, according to the presentation. City staff has identified the largest expense drivers in the general fund over the next three years as public safety, park improvements, and road and signal maintenance.
$20M $0 $40M $60M $80M
FY 2025-26
FY 2026-27
FY 2027-28
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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