OGDEN -- On Tuesday, June 20, the Ogden City Council voted to adopt the city's annual budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The budget process included opportunities for public input and was a product of the diligent efforts of Council Members, Administration, department directors, and city staff.
“We’re very thankful to the administration and department directors for the thoughtful consideration and preparation as they presented their budgetary needs to the Council and fielded our many questions and concerns," Council Chair Angela Choberka said. "From the Marshall White Community Center to securing ownership of the Union Station property, there are many exciting projects on the horizon that we’re looking forward to."
For the fourth consecutive year, the Four Strategic Directives from the City’s Five-Year Strategic Plan - Economic Development, Public Safety, Recreation, and City Image and Reputation - served as a guide for the budget.
City employees also continue to be a focus of the budget, with 1% cost of living increases included for all employees and a 4% merit increase for all non-sworn employees, and a step increase for all public safety employees on the anniversary date of their employment.
In order to attract and retain quality employees, Ogden City continues to make efforts to stay competitive in the market. To this end, a compensation study will be conducted in Fiscal Year 2024. This will be instrumental in enhancing employee recruitment, bolstering retention rates, and fostering an atmosphere of overall pay satisfaction.
“City employees continue to be a top priority as they are the connection between the city and its residents," Chair Choberka added. "With another compensation study on the way, we hope to remain competitive in the job market to ensure residents continue to receive quality services.”
The budget also accounts for a $14.5 million increase in Capital Improvement Project funds as part of the construction of the new Marshall White Community Center on 28th Street and Lincoln Avenue. The remaining $23 million needed to fund the project will come from the general fund, ARPA funds, donations, RAMP grants, and bond proceeds.
Union Station is also a focal point of the budget, with the first of a seven-year payment of $780,300 accounted for to acquire the land of the campus. This will ensure the preservation and enhancement of the historic building and surrounding area.
This year's budget did not include a property tax increase.
Council members, acting as Redevelopment Agency (RDA) board members and Municipal Building Authority (MBA) trustees, adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 RDA Budget and Fiscal Year 2024 MBA Budget on June 13, 2021. The city’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends on June 30.
Additional Information:
• Budget Information: ogdencity.com/budgetprocess
• Ogden City Budget Documents: budget.ogdencity.com
For additional information, please contact Ogden City Council Executive Director Janene Eller-Smith, JaneneEller-Smith@ogdencity.com; 801-629-8153.