Centerville has a strong financial outlook
Accountability and integrity are two of our core values in Centerville, which is why we are proud to share that the fund balance for all city funds and the general fund have grown over the last six years.
That is largely because of the 0.5% income tax rate increase voters approved in 2016. This vote of confidence in the city’s leadership has helped to increase the general fund balance from $16.35 million in December 2017 to $28.23 million in December of 2022. The income tax increase is also how our Public Works Department has been systematically working through the city’s streets to repave them and keep our residents safe, with more than 189 lane miles improved since 2017.
Staff is working to improve our financial management through several new initiatives. In 2022, the city upgraded our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and EnerGov platforms, and also carried out a fiveyear budgeting and forecasting model for the third consecutive year. The fiveyear financial plan offers a responsible guide for current and future expenditures, as well as strengthening transparency and accountability.
The 2023 budget is aggressive, as it should be to achieve the goals outlined in our 20182023 Strategic Plan. One example is the city’s continuing work to make the Uptown Action Plan a reality. This investment has already and will continue to encourage economic development in the heart of our community and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. The city plans to enhance several parking lots in Uptown in 2023.
We have allowed for several other significant capital investments across the city including the Benham’s Grove Improvement Project, the renovation
of Stubbs Park and the patio expansion and kitchen update at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace. The Police Department continues their evaluation and selection of a new computer-aided dispatch and record
management system.
Speaking of The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, course revenue continues to increase. Roughly 65,750 rounds of golf were played there in 2022. We are anticipating a 4.6% increase this year compared with 2022 budget levels and are excited the golf shop will debut new top-of-the-line golf carts this year as well.
Waste collection revenue for 2022 was $1.49 million, a 4.47% increase in annual revenue over five years ago, but not enough to keep up with current expenses. City Council adopted new rates for the first time since 2006, and we are grateful that our customers recognized the need to increase revenue to secure uninterrupted service and maintain the cost of the fleet and overall operations.
We continue to navigate challenging and unprecedented times that began nearly three years ago. Despite a worldwide pandemic, and, at times, daily adjustments to operations as a result, the city of Centerville has remained steadfast in our mission to provide exceptional services through thoughtful governance to ensure progress and stability. We appreciate your strong support!