2023 City Budget Approved by Council
The City's annual budget provides a roadmap for spending and revenue during the next fiscal year and highlights City Council's priorities. The City has been hard at work since May reviewing and finalizing the organization's budget that takes effect January 1, 2023.
City Council adopted a balanced budget of $47,309,859 on October 18, 2022. The 2023 budget reflects the commitment by the City Council and staff to achieve a balance between adhering to a conservative fiscal policy; enhancing quality of life through services and amenities; maintaining a stable, quality workforce and addressing affordable housing challenges, all while preserving the unique character of the City.
The budget is supported by $42,050,088 in anticipated revenue (including debt proceeds up to $15 million for a new fire station) and potential use of fund balance reserves of $5,259,771. Reserve spending is entirely related to one-time spending projects.
Below is an overview of five projects budgeted for 2023
New Fire Station
The new fire station will be located at 611 Oak Street, and the City selected Neenan Archistruction to oversee the design of the new building. This project is subject to working through a sustainable financing program.
Project Budget: $15,000,000
Oak Street and other CDOT reconstruction projects
Depending on CDOT approvals, reconstruction projects are proposed for Oak Street, US-50 to Wal-Mart, Holman, Stryker and the US-50 pedestrian crossing. Additional projects include asphalt and sidewalk/ADA maintenance in various locations throughout the City.
Project Budget: $4,000,000
Pasquale Springs water supply upgrades (continued from 2022)
Upgrades to Pasquale Springs will continue in 2023 and include replacing and expanding aging infrastructure to improve resilience if the treatment plant becomes inaccessible.
Project Budget: $2,500,000
Poncha Blvd. reconstruction project
Another significant road improvement project includes the reconstruction of Poncha Boulevard.
Project Budget: $1,500,000
Sanitary sewer main replacement
Wastewater system improvements are planned to replace aging infrastructure and improve wastewater delivery to our treatment facility.
Project Budget: $550,000
Other Noteworthy City Projects
In addition to the larger, citywide projects mentioned above, several other exciting projects budgeted for 2023 include:
- Development of the South Arkansas River Sub-Area (SARSA): A neighborhood master plan will be developed for SARSA (the City-owned portion of the Vandaveer Planned Development property) to include future residential and non-residential uses and to identify locations for future infrastructure.
- Demolition of the dilapidated "D Street Apartments" followed by work to acquire grants to design and build an affordable workforce housing development on the site by 2024 or 2025.
- Funding for parks and recreation enhancements, including trail improvements, new landscaping upgrades, and the expansion of general recreation programs and preschool and after-school programming.
- Upgrades to the SteamPlant theater projection system to expand the number and type of movie screenings offered.
Additionally, the City will continue to work to find immediate and long-term solutions to help address affordable workforce housing needs in the community.
Transparency and Budgeting Tools
The 2023 budget process included opportunities for public input and feedback from City Council and staff. To fully communicate what can sometimes be complicated and convoluted financial data to residents and stakeholders, Salida has partnered with OpenGov to help bring the data you want to see into focus.
OpenGov is an interactive online budgeting tool that allows you to drill deeper and get specific information about the budget that interests you. Visit Open Salida to explore the City's 2023 Proposed Budget. The OpenGov platform is updated frequently and is an excellent tool to help keep residents informed about the budget. The final budget document is still being compiled and will be available online mid-January. The City's 2022 budget document earned the prestigious "Distinguished Budget Presentation Award" from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
If you have questions about the 2023 budget, contact the finance department at finance@cityofsalida.com or 719-539-4555
