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The City of Locust’s proposed 2023-2024 budget will keep the property tax rate at 36 cents per $100 valuation. It is the 26th consecutive year the residents of Locust have not experienced a tax increase.

The budget was introduced during the May 11 council meeting, though it’s still just a draft and things can change. A public hearing will be held during the June 8 meeting, when the council will vote to approve it. The 2023-2024 fiscal year starts July 1.

Locust has an assessed valuation of all of its property of around $712 million, up from $648 million last year, City Administrator Cesar Correa told the council.

The proposed budget totals about $5.6 million for both the General Fund and Enterprise Wastewater Fund, an increase from the previous fiscal year’s city budget of $5.1 million.

Correa is recommending no increases for residents’ sewer and solid waste fees. Sewer rates have remained the same since 2015.

There will also be a 3% cost of living increase adjustment and staff are eligible to receive a merit increase based on their most recent performance evaluation.

Two full-time police officers will be hired along with a full-time Parks and Recreation employee.

The General Fund budget for this fiscal year is $4.3 million, an increase from last year’s of $3.8 million. Appropriations include $1.7 million for public safety, $690,750 for general government, $500,000 for environmental protection $553,000 for parks and recreation, $386,050 for public works, $322,000 for streets (Powell Bill) and $74,250 for central services.

The recommended capital projects for the upcoming fiscal year include purchase of two new Dodge Charger vehicles for the police; street sweeping/vacuum equipment; mower and in-field groomer; Town Center tree planting and Christmas decorations; North Basin sewer improvements with ARPA funds; and CivicRec for program/sport registration.

The total wastewater expenses is $1.3 million and includes $737,000 for wastewater treatment and $284,500 for wastewater compensation.

The General Fund revenue, which totals $4.3 million, includes $2 million from the property tax, $1.1 million from sales tax, $463,350 from miscellaneous revenues (of which $275,000 is from ABC income), $250,000 from solid waste fees and $190,000 from utility franchise tax and $145,100 from Powell.

The Wastewater revenue, which totals $1.3 million, includes $1 million for user fees, $115,000 for availability fees and $100,000 from system development fees.