The Latest from Doug
I would like to take a moment to recognize our Fayetteville Police Officers. They are committed and dedicated to keep the communities throughout our City safe. This week is National Police Week. A week of honor, remembrance and support. Each year, the police department has a Prayer and Laying of the Wreath Ceremony to pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. I want to personally thank our officers for showing up and keeping Fayetteville safe.
This week, I presented the City recommended fiscal year 2025 budget to City Council. With a City budget of $319.9 million, the budget process is crucial for ensuring that a city's financial resources are allocated effectively to meet our community needs and the City’s goals. It provides a transparent framework for decision-making, promotes fiscal responsibility, and helps prioritize essential services and projects. Despite our progress, there are increasing financial pressures beyond our control. Rising inflation, recruitment and retention pressures, and changes of the sales tax distribution have left a significant imbalance to address.
This year, the recommended budget has a $0.05 ad valorem tax rate increase which will support public safety and an increase of $0.111 for the Downtown Municipal Service District to maintain services and make the district sustainable. The recommended budget is focused on staff retention, economic growth, and maintaining essential services. With that, City leadership found more than $8.1 million in efficiencies, reducing the operational costs while maintaining services and supporting investments in key areas aligned with the City’s goals and priorities.
Engaging in a thorough budget process allows for proactive planning, efficient use of funds, and the ability to address unforeseen challenges. The first budget work session took place yesterday. The next will be Monday, May 20. These work sessions are open to the public and broadcasted on FayTV or Spectrum Channel 7. There will be a Public Hearing on May 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers which gives community members an opportunity to voice their opinions on how public funds are allocated. Residents who wish to speak at the public hearing can sign up on the City Clerk’s website at fayettevillenc.gov/clerk. To review the recommended budget and for more information visit our website at FayettevilleNC.gov/Budget.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Best,
Douglas J. Hewett
| 
