During its June 23, 2019 Council Meeting, the Ogden City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2021 City Budget with a focus on the Strategic Directives established in the Five-Year Strategic Plan.
While the Strategic Plan was the framework for the budget, the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the directives were not able to be fulfilled to the extent desired, including salary increases for Ogden City employees.
In years past, merit and cost-of-living increases were consistently given to Ogden City employees, but after careful consideration and in-depth discussions with the Administration and department directors, it was determined that the City is unable to provide its employees with increases with the initial adoption of the budget.
“This budget process certainly had its challenges and tough decisions,” Council Chair Angela Choberka said. “But despite being limited due to the economic situation, no city employee lost their job because of the pandemic and Ogden residents can expect the same level of service from the City as before. As the economy recovers, we will be able to better fulfill the needs of both Ogden residents and employees.”
The Council approved six new grant-funded positions that are focused on public safety. Five of these positions will be within the Police Department.
Strategic Directives in the Budget |
Strategic Directive | How it’s supported in the FY21 Budget |
Economic Development | Quality Neighborhoods Program Business Information Center Business Loans of Utah Program Airport Improvements Through FAA Grants Bus Rapid Transit |
Community Safety | Street and Sidewalk Improvements Five New Positions Within the Police Department |
Recreation | Marshall White Center Improvements Recreational and Park Improvements |
City Image and Reputation | Diversity and Public Engagement Capital Improvements and City Infrastructure Union Station Renovations |
This year’s budget process was the first in which the Council had the Five-Year Strategic Plan in hand. Developed by the volunteer-led Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, the Five-Year Strategic Plan took the input from Ogden residents and translated it into the four Strategic Directives listed in the table to the right. The Council considered the FY21 Budget with these directives in mind.
The Council determined not to modify property tax rates. This means Ogden City will not receive an increase of property tax revenue received, with the exception of any new growth/development in the city, and residents will not see an increase in the City’s portion of property taxes.
Council members, acting as Redevelopment Agency (RDA) board members and Municipal Building Authority (MBA) trustees, adopted the Fiscal Year 2020 RDA Budget and Fiscal Year 2020 MBA Budget on June 9, 2020. The City’s fiscal year begins July 1 and end on July 30.
Additional Information:
Budget Information: ogdencity.com/budgetprocess
Ogden City Budget Documents: budget.ogdencity.com
There were several opportunities for public input on the budget, including hearings and a Facebook Live Q&A Session.
For additional information, please contact Ogden City Council Executive Director Janene Eller-Smith, JaneneEller-Smith@ogdencity.com; 801-629-8153.