The City of Ferndale is moving forward with its budget planning for the fiscal year 2025, with key discussions taking place during a recent City Council Budget Workshop. City officials expressed optimism about maintaining high service levels despite necessary budget cuts.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the council will hold its first reading of the budget on April 14, where proposed changes will be presented. This will include final adjustments to grants and updates on year-end financial figures. Community feedback will be solicited at this stage, ensuring that residents have a voice in the budgeting process.

The budget adoption is scheduled for April 28, with the fiscal year commencing on July 1. City officials are also considering adjustments to the budgeting timeline for next year, aiming to provide more opportunities for council input before the draft budget phase.

Council members underscored the importance of the budget as a foundational element of city governance, emphasizing that all other city functions rely on a well-structured budget. They acknowledged the hard work of city staff in preparing the draft budget amid ongoing changes and challenges.

As the city prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, the focus remains on balancing financial constraints with the need to deliver essential services to the community. The council's commitment to transparency and public engagement will be crucial as they finalize the budget in the coming weeks.