The City of Ferndale is poised to achieve significant cost savings and operational efficiencies as it prepares for the 2025 budget, following a recent City Council Budget Workshop. Key discussions highlighted the potential for nearly $100,000 in savings over the next five years through the evaluation of fiber contracts and the decision to purchase equipment outright rather than continue leasing.

City officials are excited about the financial implications of these changes, which are expected to streamline expenses and enhance service delivery. Additionally, the implementation of parks access control systems is projected to save approximately $4,500 per season by reducing the need for overtime pay for Department of Public Works employees tasked with locking up facilities.

The workshop also addressed the transition of data storage to cloud-based solutions, which has resulted in further annual savings. The city is actively seeking to eliminate redundancies and unnecessary licensing costs to maintain a streamlined budget.

Despite these savings, the budget remains consistent year-over-year, with new tools and security measures being introduced to combat evolving IT threats. City officials emphasized that holding the budget flat amidst inflationary pressures is a significant achievement, allowing for the pursuit of delayed capital projects, including essential upgrades to the city hall server.

As Ferndale moves forward, the focus will remain on maximizing efficiency and ensuring that the city’s infrastructure meets high security and safety standards. The proactive measures discussed in the workshop are expected to not only enhance fiscal responsibility but also improve overall service to the community.