Posted on September 25, 2015 at 1:50 PM by Blog Admin
On Monday, Mayor Fadness presented the 2016 proposed budget to City Council and residents. The proposed budget comes in at $69.1 million and includes $351,539 in surplus. Mayor Fadness called 2016 a year of “sustaining and maintaining what we have”.
While Fishers expenditures, outstanding debt obligations and full time employees per capita are less than most other Hamilton County Communities, we’re able to maintain a high quality of life for our residents by employing smart, entrepreneurial initiatives.
Under the proposed budget, the tax rate will return to 2014 levels of 63 cents per $100 of assessed value. Fishers’ tax rate remains the lowest of Indiana’s 15 largest cities.
Investments are planned across several departments to ensure that city services remain highly effective and efficient. Investments in public safety include new cardiac monitors for Fishers Fire Department & Emergency Services with advanced technology that will allow the department to maintain its exceptional save rate for cardiac patients, as well as two new fire engines. Fishers Police Department will replace 13 vehicles.
The city will continue to invest heavily in transportation next year, with 14 planned road projects. Jeff Hill, Fishers Director of Engineering, has been aggressive in securing more than $30 million in federal funding for roads and trails over the next five years.
Investment in Fishers Parks and Recreation include the addition of a toddler playground at Holland Park, a new DPW laborer for Flat Fork Creek Park, opening to the public this winter and increased partnerships to bolster support for community events.
The budget reflects no increase in health insurance premiums for employee or employer. All civilian employees will receive a 2 percent merit increase.
The budget will be considered for final adoption by Fishers City Council on Oct. 19. View the full budget and presentation here.