Adopted Budget Book FY 23-24 Final with TOC links - Flipbook - Page 62
Strategic → PrioriTies anD issues
Priorities and Issues
Priorities
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The Finance Department of the City of Eustis is dedicated to developing a budget that aligns
with the esteemed GFOA Budget Award criteria, showcasing the City’s commitment to adhering
to industry-leading practices in budget management. The department has identified the need
to implement software updates for the Edmunds financial system to enhance its financial operations further. Additionally, they are actively working on implementing automation in the Gravity
HR module. These technological advancements will improve efficiency and effectiveness in
financial processes, enabling the department to better serve the City and its residents. The City
Commission will be offering charity and donations to support individual businesses.
In the fiscal year 2023, the Finance Department of Eustis has engaged the services of an independent consultant company to conduct a thorough review of water rates. The decision to undertake this evaluation arises from the high inflation rates experienced during the same fiscal year.
The study aims to determine revised rates for Water, Sewer, Stormwater, and Impact fees that
will generate sufficient revenue to support the City’s essential operations. By ensuring an appropriate and sustainable revenue stream, the City can effectively maintain and enhance operating
services for the City residents’ benefit.
As the City grows and develops, the City Manager’s Office is conducting new strategic planning
for the City. It is critical for the City to be strategic about its investments and growth to capitalize
on opportunities. Strategic planning is an organizational management activity that is used to
set priorities, focus energy and resources, strengthen operations, ensure that employees are
working toward common goals, establish agreement around intended outcomes, and assess and
adjust the organization’s direction in response to a changing environment. It is a disciplined
effort that produces fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide the City with a
focus on the future.
The Police Department established five Police Cadet positions. Cadet Corps is a law enforcement apprenticeship program that offers training and varied work assignments to persons
between the ages of 18 and 21. Cadet programs are designed to assist cadets in transitioning
into the position of full time Police Officer.
The Public Works Department is making significant progress on a major City’s capital improvement project aimed at expanding the Bates Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. With a total
budget of $12,187,942, this project signifies the city’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure for the benefit of its residents. The project cost was increased by 22%, amounting to an
additional $2,687,942, due to high inflation rates. The initial funding required for this essential expansion was secured through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To prioritize the
successful completion of the Bates Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, the City
made the difficult decision to redirect resources from various capital projects. This determination underlines the significance of the project in meeting the community’s long-term needs.
Upon completion, the expansion project will increase the treatment plant’s capacity from 2.4
MGD (millions of gallons per day) to an impressive 3.2 MGD. This improvement will support
the growing demands of the city and ensure the effective management of wastewater for years
to come. To ensure seamless execution, the project has been thoughtfully divided into two
fiscal years, spanning from FY 2022 to FY 2024. The Bates Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant
Expansion serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to providing reliable and sustainable
infrastructure for its residents. Through careful planning, strategic funding, and the dedication
City of Eustis, Florida
Adopted Budget
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