On Tuesday, June 22, the Ogden City Council voted to adopt the City’s annual budget for Fiscal Year 2022. This year’s budget included several opportunities for public input and was a product of the diligent efforts of Council Members, Administration, department directors, and city staff.
For the second consecutive year, Directives from the City’s Five-Year Strategic Plan served as a guide for the budget. With the effects of COVID-19 fading, Ogden City can now fully implement the Strategic Plan Directives in their annual budgeting process each year moving forward.
This year’s budget focuses on City employees and maintaining essential services by offering competitive wages. Although wage increases were not included in the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget due to COVID-19, unanticipated funds were available to give employees a prorated increase in April for the rest of the fiscal year. The FY2022 Budget includes a $5.9 Million increase in wages and benefits for all Ogden City employees. Additionally, the recommended salary range increases from the Classification, Compensation, and Benefits Study, which was completed in 2020, will be implemented.
“Despite a global pandemic, Ogden City is fortunate to be on stable financial ground,” Council Vice Chair Marcia White said. “Being conservative with the prior year's budget and increasing sales tax revenue has put Ogden in a good position with this year’s budget. City employees are our greatest asset, and we were able to compensate our employees better to improve retention and recruitment. Employees provide quality and professional services for the residents, and their contributions are essential to the future of our community.”
The Council approved the funding for five new positions within the City including an Accountant, Economic Development Administrator, Information Technology Support Assistant, Information Technology Administrative Assistant, and a Facilities Maintenance Technician. The Council also requested two additional positions be funded in Engineering – a Principal Engineer and a Construction Inspector. The total additional cost to the General Fund for these positions is $298,275.
This year’s budget includes an increase of less than 1% for property tax revenue, a 39% increase in sales tax revenue, and a 12% increase in total general fund revenue.
Council members, acting as Redevelopment Agency (RDA) board members and Municipal Building Authority (MBA) trustees, adopted the Fiscal Year 2022 RDA Budget and Fiscal Year 2022 MBA Budget on June 8, 2021. The City’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends on June 30.
Additional Information:
For additional information, please contact Ogden City Council Executive Director Janene Eller-Smith, JaneneEller-Smith@ogdencity.com; 801-629-8153.