City of Westfield Mayor's 2025 Budget Guidance
The Mayor of Westfield presents the 2025 budget guidance emphasizing Zero-Based Budgeting for efficient resource allocation. Two budgets are proposed, outlining a 4% decrease or immediate support of Advancing Westfield. Priorities focus on Public Safety, Excellence, Transparency, Accountability, Quality Growth, and Empowerment. Additional items include maintaining headcount neutrality, evaluating hiring costs, and increasing salaries based on performance. Non-negotiables ensure tax dollars align with city goals.
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Presentation Transcript
City of Westfield Mayor s 2025 Budget Guidance May 28th, 2024
Zero Based Budgeting Mandates fresh evaluation of all expenses Requires justification of every expense Methodical way of scrutinizing expenses to ensure resources allocated efficiently and effectively Strategic objectives will align to 4 Pillars of Success All expenditures contribute directly to overarching goals Prioritize projects that have greatest impact on Community
Zero Based Budgeting Benefits Efficiency Improvements Improved resource allocations Better alignment with strategic goals
Two Budgets Required Staff will formulate two budgets for consideration Budget 1 - 4% decrease of 2024 overall department budget Flush out ineffective or wasteful spending Allows reallocation of funds to more impactful areas Budget 2 - Allows for immediate support of Advancing Westfield without constraints Will provide insight into 5-10 strategic plan Facilitate long term budgeting moving forward
Priorities - Four Pillars of Success Public Safety Excellence Building of Stations 84/85 & Police HQ Mental health assistance Programs Transparency & Accountability Strengthening public communication channels Quality Growth & Livability Funding for land acquisition and incentives that promote economic development 10 year CIP plan Empowerment & Continuous Improvement Technology and programs that improve customer service
Additional Items to Note Headcount neutral for most departments in 25 Exceptions include Public Safety and Legal Evaluation of Cost to hire for each department staff May not close gap in 1 year. Budget 4% increase for salary Increase will be distributed based on performance.
Non-Negotiables Every tax dollar will be allocated City tax rate will remain flat from 2024 s budget Dollars will be budgeted to our rainy-day fund Every dollar spent will support the 4 Pillars of Success either directly or indirectly. If it doesn t, it will get cut. Additional appropriations will be frowned upon in 25 Unnecessary padding in budget will not be tolerated
City Council Consideration Focus on big picture items. Stay out of the weeds Hot buttons for Council should be communicated sooner rather than later Every dollar cut or shifted will have impacts downrange Council/CT will be responsible for own budgets
