On Saturday, March 4th at 9 a.m., the City of Erlanger elected officials and leadership staff will meet to review the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Mayor Tyson Hermes has worked with the city staff to create a win-win for the 2017-2018 fiscal year — a balanced budget and a tax cut.
The meeting will be held at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
In December 2016, the city council voted in favor of “catch-up” raises for the staff across the board, and now Hermes is proposing more road repairs, sidewalk maintenance, and building upgrades — along with a lower tax rate.
“One of our primary goals for this year is to balance the budget and live within our means, while still decreasing our property tax rate,” said Mayor Hermes.
“This isn’t an easy task because we have recently surveyed the condition of the city sidewalks, and existing facilities. It seems like everything needs work, and requires repairs.”
Tyson Hermes
Mayor Hermes says his plan is to work with the Public Works department and then City Engineer, Jim Viox, to develop a schedule of repairs and upgrades in small manageable projects spread out over time.
The city is planning to spend $1,000,000 more than normal on road and curb repairs due to growing maintenance needs. An additional $500,000 is allocated for building repairs and upgrades. Plus, an additional $200,000 will be spent on sidewalk repairs and maintenance.
“These are parts of the budget that we will need to continue to include over the next few years,” said Hermes. The proposed budget also adds a full time position in each of the following departments: Codes Enforcement, Dispatch, Information Technology, and Public Works.
Since Mayor Hermes’ election, the city has lowered its Real Estate Tax Rate and Tangible Tax Rate year after year.
“In the meantime, we have found tenants to fill up the empty storefronts and worked with developers who are investing tens of millions of dollars in our city,” said Hermes.
“These projects are bringing thousands of jobs to Erlanger, and as a result increasing revenues. Over time this will lighten the tax burden on our residents!”
The City of Erlanger currently has reserves of $10 million.
“It’s an incredible comfort to have reserves in the case of an emergency.” Hermes continued, “We have no plans on dipping into those reserves with this proposed budget.”
The Mayor will host a public forum and discussion, to give more detail to the upcoming projects as well as answer questions at 5 p.m. on Tuesday March 21 in the Council Chambers at 505 Commonwealth Ave. This will give people a chance to see what’s coming, as well as provide input.
“Thanks to the hard work, and responsible spending of the city staff,” Mayor Hermes is confident the city can lower taxes, balance the budget, and live within its means.
