City of Newberry Announces FY2024 Budget with Key Infrastructure Investments, Continued Low Utility Rates, and Reduced Property Taxes

The City of Newberry is proud to unveil the finalized Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) budget, emphasizing sound fiscal management, strategic infrastructure projects, and dedicated efforts to benefit residents. The new budget reflects the City's commitment to maintaining its strong financial footing, even during economic uncertainty. 

Mayor Jordan Marlowe said, "I am incredibly proud of our Commission and our staff. As every City around us is facing significant millage rate increases on top of utility rate increases, our team has managed to reduce the millage rate for the second year in a row and keep our utility rates the lowest in our County."

The FY2024 budget was crafted using feedback from the community and the insights derived from the five-year strategic visioning process undertaken last year. During this year’s budget process, the Commission held five public budget workshops and two public hearings to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 budget with the community. The result is a forward-looking financial plan aligning with the City's and residents' long-term goals. Newberry's 2023-24 fiscal year budget is $43,167,065. 

City Manager Mike New stated, "This budget is a testament to our dedication to serve the residents of Newberry with utmost priority. I express my gratitude to the City Commission, department heads, charter officers, and other staff members for their diligence in drafting a budget that balances service excellence with fiscal prudence."

Key Highlights of the FY2024 Budget

Infrastructure Investments: This year's budget allocation prioritizes the City's infrastructure, ensuring it remains robust and up-to-date:

• Roads - Over $2.5 million is dedicated to streets and road projects. Projects include reconstruction of SW15th Ave between SR27/41 and SW 266th Street and extending SW15th west from 266th to CR337; construction of a turn lane on SW 4th Ave; engineering and design of road improvements on SW46th; sidewalk extension projects; and road improvements on NW 260th.
• Utilities - More than $6.5 million is earmarked for water, wastewater, and electric utility upgrades. Projects include several water main and wastewater line extensions, construction of a new water tower to add additional capacity to the water system, and continued work on expansion of the regional wastewater treatment facility.
• Parks - An additional $2.5 million will be invested in enhancing our parks and recreational facilities. Recreation projects include construction of new fields at ENSC, parking improvements at Jimmy Durden Park and ENSC, rehabilitation of basketball courts at Freddie Warmack and Jimmy Durden Parks, construction of tennis/pickleball courts, playground equipment upgrades, and funding for the Newberry Veteran's Memorial. 

Low Utility Rates: Despite increased pressures from state regulation and other high-cost drivers, Newberry continues to pride itself on offering the lowest utility rates in the region. This is a testament to the City's strong financial management and commitment to alleviating its residents' financial burdens.

Property Tax Reduction: Demonstrating our commitment to responsible financial planning and keen responsiveness to the community's needs, the City has set the final millage rate at 5.9000 mills. This is a property tax rate reduction for the community, marking the second consecutive year Newberry achieved this commendable reduction.

Living Wage and Employee Retention: The City of Newberry recognizes the profound importance of a fair wage. "There is dignity in work, and there is dignity in being able to take care of your family," said Mayor Marlowe. The newly approved compensation plan for FY23-24 is a testament to this commitment, with the City Commission allocating additional funds to uplift those at the bottom of the pay scale. With this move, Newberry aims to ensure that every employee, the heartbeat of our City, feels valued, appreciated, and most importantly, can support their families adequately.