In a recent city council meeting, the Buda City Manager, Mr. Groh, presented the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, themed \"Heroes Among Us,\" which aims to highlight the dedication of city employees and volunteers. The budget discussion, designed to be more engaging than typical presentations, emphasized the importance of the budget as a narrative tool that reflects community priorities and resource allocation.

Mr. Groh noted that the proposed budget is balanced, with recurring revenues covering recurring expenses, despite overall expenses exceeding revenues due to one-time purchases. The budget includes a modest increase in utility rates—6% for water and 3% for wastewater—aimed at minimizing the financial impact on residents. Additionally, it proposes adjustments to employee pay to align with market rates and introduces five and a half new positions to address growing workload demands.

The meeting also highlighted the challenges faced in budget preparation, including the need to prioritize among 29 new position requests, of which only a fraction could be accommodated. The council has spent significant time reviewing the budget, ensuring it meets the community's needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The presentation concluded with a call for community engagement and understanding of the budget's role in supporting city services.