BFPD FY26 GFOA Budget - Flipbook - Page 7
| BUDGET MESSAGE
October 2025
Honorable Trustees,
On behalf of the Bartlett Fire District, I am privileged to present the 2026 Annual Budget and
Capital Plan for the Bartlett Fire District.
This year's budget followed the zero-based budgeting (ZBB) model. The ZBB model is a
methodology to help align District spending with strategic goals. Its approach requires
organizations to build their annual budget from zero each year to verify that all components are
cost-effective and relevant and drive improved savings. Staff met with every member with an
area of responsibility to identify their needs and justify the cost. After completing this process,
staff met with finance to develop the budget.
This budget serves to shape the future of the community in many ways. It results from a fiscally
conservative approach to government while still delivering on our core service at the highest
level. While our budget planning and forecasting for the past several years has been challenging,
we are gaining confidence that we are building a sustainable post-pandemic revenue model.
Things will continue to evolve, and we will pay close attention to the potential challenges.
Despite the future uncertainty, we are very confident in the Budget. The 2026 Budget continues
to build upon our commitment and resiliency. The Budget supports our residents and business
community, continues to partner with outside agencies to deliver the most efficient services
available, and keeps our District a safe and desirable community for our current and future
residents.
The Annual Budget demonstrates an ongoing commitment to high standards of public service
and the efficient delivery of all programs and services. The 2026 Annual Budget and Capital
Plan totals $14,804,331. $14,152,911 represents the Operations Budget, and the remaining
$651,420 represents the Capital Budget. The total revenue is expected to be $15,809,650, a 3.4%
increase over 2025, with $944,319 committed to building the District’s reserve funds.
It is worth noting the Pension ask is 12.3% for 2026. This represents a $38,235 shortfall from the
Pension Levy. Therefore, Corporate Levy will have to cover the shortfall. This is the first time in
over five years the District has had to cover this shortfall from funds normally used for
operations.
While the operating expenses represents an increase over the 2025 Budget, it contains several
unique or preplanned items, including:
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Collective bargaining salary increases
Accreditation-related costs
New ambulance
Dive/Swift water equipment
Firefighting turn-out gear replacement
EMS equipment
Firefighting equipment
P a g e 7 | BARTLETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT | BUDGET MESSAGE
