FY25 GFOA Budget - Flipbook - Page 7
Return to Table of Contents
BUDGET MESSAGE
October 2024
Honorable Trustees,
On behalf of the Bartlett Fire District, I am privileged to present the 2025 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 have 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 2025 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 2025 Annual Budget and Capital Plan totals
$14,139,096. $13,387,711 represents the Operations Budget, and the remaining $751,385
represents the Capital Budget. The total revenue is expected to be $15,293,226, a 5% increase over
2024, with $1,154,130 committed to building the District’s reserve funds.
While the operating expenses represents an increase over the 2024 Budget, it contains several
unique or preplanned items, including:
. Collective bargaining salary increases
. New staff vehicle
. Station 3 improvements
. Ballistic equipment replacement
. Firefighting turn-out gear replacement
. EMS equipment
. Firefighting equipment
Revenues
Property Tax – This is our single largest source of revenue. In 2024, the Trustees will be asked to
approve a 4.99% levy over the prior year's extension to provide for the District's continued growth.
The tax cap will lower the District's levy based on a consumer price index of 3.4% (plus any new
P a g e 7 |BARTLETT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT | BUDGET MESSAGE
