In a recent city council meeting held on Tuesday, the city of Newcastle made a crucial decision by adopting its 2024 proposed city budget.
Proposed City Budget Recommends Maintaining Current Tax Rates with No Increase (Photo: WLBT)
City Council Workshops to Scrutinize Proposed Budget
In a data released by New Castle News, in November 23, 2023, the key highlight of this budget is the retention of the millage rate at 15.476, consistent with the rates of the past two years. The proposed city budget outlines total expenditures amounting to $15,532,437.26, juxtaposed with anticipated revenues of $14,997,525.75. Notably, the proposed city budget strategizes to draw the remaining funds from the city’s reserves. In addition to maintaining the millage rate, the budget reflects a commendable stance by refraining from increasing the resident earned income tax. Non-resident taxpayers, however, will experience a slight decrease from 1.856 percent to 1.332 percent, a shift attributed to the city’s departure from Act 47, which curtails certain taxing powers.
To foster transparency and community engagement, the city council has scheduled workshop meetings dedicated to a comprehensive review of the proposed city budget. These workshops, slated for December 5 and 7 at the council chambers in City Hall, will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the financial allocations and priorities outlined in the budget.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend these sessions about proposed city budget, contributing valuable insights to the decision-making process. The culmination of these deliberations is expected during the council’s meeting on December 19 when a formal vote to adopt the proposed budget will take place. This participatory approach reflects the council’s commitment to inclusive governance and responsiveness to the needs of the community.
READ ALSO: New Orleans Saints Players Will Be Up Against Atlanta Falcons On Sunday Where The Latter Team Is In An Advantage
Facade Improvement Program Boosts Local Businesses; City Eyes Future Development
According to the report published by CBC News, in a parallel development, the city council approved Facade Improvement Program applications for two local establishments: Pita: A Sandwich Stop, located at 212 Grove St., and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge No. 455. Both entities will receive grants amounting to $5,000, contributing to their respective renovation projects. Pita plans to utilize the funds of the proposed city budget to enclose its outdoor patio seating as part of a multi-phase renovation initiative.
Meanwhile, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge will allocate the grant towards masonry restoration and painting for its upcoming location on South Mill Street. These projects mark the successful completion of phase one of the facade program, prompting the city to seek additional state proposed city budget funding of $50,000 for future facade enhancements in the coming year.
READ ALSO: Neighborhoods In Sacramento: The Location That Harbors Perilous Areas
