As we turn the page on budget year 2, I wanted to give all an update of where we were, where we are, and where we are headed.
When I was fortunate to take office in January 2023, I inherited a budget from the prior administration. When we look at that Fiscal Year end of June 30, 2023, it had a deficit of over $225,000 encompassing all departments. For reference, the budget has the following funds: General (City Hall, Police, Fire, Parks & Rec), Water, Sewer and Municipal Aid and runs on a $6,000,000 +/- budget each year.
Fast forward to Fiscal Year end June 30, 2025, I am elated to report we ended with a surplus of $55,000 across those same departments. That is almost a $300,000 swing in a few short years! As a special note, the General Fund had a surplus for the first time in 8+ years. It wasn’t easy, it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to accomplish this amazing turnaround for our community but it’s worth every single drop of blood, sweat or tear that goes into it!
I am extremely proud of what my administration, council, department heads and employees have accomplished in these few short years, but I also know there is much work still to do.
As we look to what’s to come in Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and beyond, we ask for everyone’s continued support as we work every day to make Lancaster the best possible place to live, work and play
Thank you,
Mayor Gaffney