City Council reviews fiscal 24 budget highlighting police fire funding and parks investment

The Danville City Commission held a special called meeting on March 20, 2025, to discuss the city’s financial performance and budgetary adjustments for fiscal year 2024, as well as projections for fiscal year 2025. The meeting focused on key financial metrics, departmental expenditures, and future funding strategies.

The meeting began with a review of the city’s revenue, highlighting that license fees totaled $19 million, exceeding the budgeted amount of $16 million. This positive variance was attributed to increased investments in parks and a midyear adjustment for police funding, which reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing public safety and recreational facilities.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the general fund expenses for fiscal year 2024, which amounted to approximately $32.16 million, resulting in an under-budget performance of $900,000. The commission noted that general fund transfers to parks and recreation totaled $6.89 million, with a substantial focus on capital improvements.

Parks and recreation expenses were detailed, showing total expenditures of $7.45 million, including $5.6 million dedicated to capital improvements. The parks generated around $400,000 in revenue through program fees and rentals, with additional funding from contributions and small grants.

The utility fund was also a key topic, with total revenues reported at $17.25 million against a budget of $21.52 million, indicating an under-budget performance. The utility department managed rising costs effectively, contributing to a $69,000 savings in operations.

The meeting further addressed smaller funds, including opioid funds, which currently hold $91,000 with no expenditures to date. The commission emphasized the need for a strategic plan to utilize these funds effectively, as they are restricted to opioid-related initiatives.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s financial health and proactive management of resources. The commission plans to continue exploring revenue-generating opportunities and strategic investments in public safety and community services as they move into fiscal year 2025. The next steps will involve further discussions on the allocation of opioid funds and ongoing budget adjustments to ensure fiscal responsibility.