“The unwavering goal is to provide high-quality, resident-centered services,” Pozzuto said. “The 2024 annual budget is a reflection of our commitment to prudent financial management, cautious optimism for the future, and deep respect for our city’s future.”
Springboro officials had estimated that for 2023, the city would generate more than $54 million in revenue across all funds, with expenditures of $62.5 million. Within that, Springboro estimated 2023 general fund revenues at more than $13.2 million and expenditures of $14.8 million.
The 2024 budget shows a deficit of $986,644. Pozzuto said the difference between revenues and spending would be covered by city reserve funds. In addition, the city is required to list debts for projects that will be spent over multiple years.
“The deficit this year is a combination of paying off debt and a few capital projects that are being carried over into 2024,” he said. “One of the debt payoffs is the city building debt.”
The city’s 2024 general fund revenue total of nearly $14.6 million is derived from four sources: income, property and bed taxes that are estimated to generate more than $12.5 million; permits and fees expected to raise $258,000; state revenue to the city estimated at $270,400 for local government funding and liquor taxes; and miscellaneous sources such as interest, Mayor’s Court fines and costs, donations; and transfers that are estimated to raise $1.53 million.
General fund expenditures for 2024 are estimated at more than $15.4 million and allocated in the following areas: $5.6 million or 36% for general government services; $5.2 million or 34% for public safety services; $1.6 million or 10% for parks and recreation; and $2.9 million or 19% for community environment and transfers.
City officials also approved Springboro’s five-year capital improvements budget, which includes more than $10 million in planned spending for 2024.
In its five-year capital improvements plan, 2024-2028, the city is planning to spend $8.1 million on general improvements; $12.5 million on street improvements; $3.2 million on park projects; $11.8 million in water improvements; $1.9 million in sewer work; $500,000 in stormwater improvements; and $404,000 in golf course projects.
Some major capital improvement projects and costs identified by the city over the next five years include:
- Resurfacing East Central Avenue from the intersection with Ohio 73 to the east corporation limit. That is planned for 2026, and the city’s share is estimated to be about $550,000, with the remaining costs, also about $550,000, covered by federal funding.
- A roundabout at Springs Boulevard and Yankee Road. The city is seeking state and other local funding for this project estimated at $825,000.
- Bike and pedestrian path expansions and upgrades estimated at $922,761, with state and/or federal funding being sought for construction.
- North Park upgrade phases 2 and 3 are estimated to cost $2.2 million. This will include a new wider pavilion and entrance way to the park to improve accessibility as well as a new ADA-accessible restroom facility. The city is seeking state and federal grants to help cover the project costs.
- A clearwell and generator at the city’s water treatment plant. This is estimated to cost about $5 million.
- Replacing a 20-year-old diesel generator at the wastewater treatment plant, with an estimated cost of $1.3 million.
- Other expenses include server upgrades; three police vehicles; an unmarked police vehicle; robot mowers; a hydroexcavator; and a greens roller.
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