Eye on Buckeye | June 2024 | Buckeye's Budget

June 2024

COUNCIL UPDATE

District 4 Representative Patrick HagEstad on Buckeye

Strong Finances, Strong Community

Buckeye is Booming

3 5 8 the official publication of the city of Buckeye

Investing in our Infrastructure

Buckeye Bond Election

CITY OF BUCKEYE

530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

623.349.6000

For more information on this publication, contact John O’Halloran at johalloran@buckeyeaz.gov or call 623.349.6976

BUCKEYE CITY COUNCIL

Eric Orsborn, Mayor

Clay Goodman, Vice Mayor, District 6

Tony Youngker, District 1

Jeanine Guy, District 2

Michelle Hess, District 3

Patrick HagEstad, District 4

Craig Heustis, District 5

Planning for Every Dollar

This edition of Eye on Buckeye is dedicated to our annual budget, going beyond numbers and charts to tell the story of Buckeye’s dedication to utilizing your tax dollars responsibly. The fiscal year 202425 budget of $687 million is a 21% increase over last year and includes all costs from daily operations, one-time expenses, a fully funded fiveyear Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for governmental projects and solid reserves.

This year’s budget is once again conservative and balanced, while providing the exceptional city services you expect. Preparation of the budget is one of the most important tasks that staff undertakes every year and the adoption of the budget by your City Council is taken just as seriously. I am proud of our team’s tireless efforts that goes into the process to make sure the city is fiscally responsible and transparent.

In the coming year, you will see how the city is prioritizing roads, public safety and other infrastructure, meeting your needs with several of our CIP projects. Please take some time to read about the budget in this issue and see how we are making the most of our resources to improve the quality of life for you and the rest of our city.

Strong Finances, Strong Community.

Buckeye’s Budget Explained

BUDGET BREAKDOWN:

Total Budget: $687 million

Funding: Covers daily operations, one-time expenses, a fully funded five-year CIP for governmental projects and a contingency fund for unexpected costs.

Financial Responsibility: We follow best practices set by the Government Finance Officers Association and establish conservative financial policies to ensure your tax dollars are used wisely.

Buckeye is committed to your well-being. We’re focused on long-term financial planning to ensure you continue receiving the important services you rely on, both now and in the future. Our financial outlook is strong, and we’re prepared for any challenges that may come our way.

By using the following strategies, Buckeye’s budget ensures we can continue providing excellent services for you and our community. We’re committed to responsible spending and a bright future for Buckeye.

Buckeye is Booming: Growth and Development on the Rise!

Buckeye continues to see a strong financial outlook and we’re not slowing down now. Here’s why:

• Housing: We’re estimating another 2,800 combined single and multifamily home permits this year. This variety ensures everyone can find their perfect place in Buckeye.

• More Stores, More Services: On the way with tons of new retail, restaurants and services! Over 10 million square feet of commercial and industrial development is underway, creating thousands of jobs.

• Verrado Marketplace: Get ready for exciting new shops and restaurants, including Harkins Theater, Ross, Target and more, all coming to the 500,000 square foot Verrado Marketplace.

• Buckeye Commons: Head to Verrado and I-10 for Buckeye Commons, featuring Costco, with more major retailers and delicious sit-down restaurants coming soon.

• Healthcare on the Rise: Abrazo Health is building a 60,000 square foot facility to provide a full range of healthcare services, keeping you healthy and happy in Buckeye.

Buckeye is a community of limitless possibilities! With so much growth on the horizon, the best is yet to come.

One of Arizona’s fastest growing cities

114,000 population (est. July 2023)

34, Median Age

$113,647 average household income

2,500 Single Family Permits in 2023

Abrazo Health Medical Center

Investing in our Infrastructure:

Astrong city needs a strong foundation. This year’s budget includes significant investments in capital projects to keep Buckeye moving forward:

• Non-Utility Projects: Funded primarily by the General Fund and aligned with Council priorities:

• $15 million for Jackrabbit Trail improvements

• $14 million for Miller Road expansion from Durango to Lower Buckeye

• $11 million for Rooks Road bridge over irrigation canal

• $11 million for airport land acquisition

• $4 million for traffic signal at SR-85 and Baseline Road

• Water and Wastewater Projects: Funded by bonds, savings and fees:

• $58 million for the Farallon Water Campus (total project cost)

• $21 million for wastewater improvements

• $10 million for new wells

• $5 million for the Water Resources Field Operations Center

Traffic issues on Jackrabbit Trail

Farallon Water Campus under construction

Building a Brighter Buckeye Together!

Buckeye’s commitment to your well-being is clear in this year’s budget. We’re focused on long-term financial strength, with:

• Balanced Budget: Responsible spending ensures your tax dollars go a long way.

• Conservative Estimates: We plan, using realistic income projections.

• Healthy Reserves: We have strong savings to weather any challenges.

• Investing in What Matters: We’re funding infrastructure, services and employees to keep Buckeye thriving.

This $687 million budget aligns with the City Council’s goals, and it means better services for you, a stronger economy, a safer community and a bright future for all. We’re excited to build a safe and sustainable Buckeye together!

Buckeye invests in Great People!

Buckeye’s amazing employees are the heart of our community! We’re committed to being a top employer, not just in the West Valley, but across municipal governments. As our city expands with new residents, businesses and services, we’re expanding our team to keep pace. This year’s budget includes a total of 66 new full-time positions (FTEs) to ensure we maintain excellent service levels for everyone. By investing in our people, Buckeye is building a brighter future for everyone. We’re excited to welcome new talent to our team!

Buckeye’s Public Works Fleet Division earn the distinguished honor as being named the American Public Works Association No.1 Small Fleet

530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

Buckeye Votes on Bonds: Investing in Our Future!

The General Obligation Bond Exploratory Committee recommended a General Obligation bond election to be held in November 2024. This will be the first bond election held in the city in nearly 40 years.

Buckeye City Council approved the bond election on May 21, so you’ll see two bond questions on the November ballot:

QUESTION 1:

Public Safety ($137 million): $137 million for public safety projects, including a headquarters, training facilities and fire stations located in the Victory and Westpark neighborhoods.

QUESTION 2:

Streets & Transportation ($145 million): $145 million for road improvements to ease traffic and enhance safety. Includes projects such as widening Indian School road from Jackrabbit to Perryville, eliminating pinch points throughout Buckeye and installing lighting along parts of Sun Valley Parkway.

These bonds will be funded through a secondary property tax, which when combined with our existing primary property tax rate will be planned not to exceed a total tax rate of $2.25. Based upon forecasts complying with state statutes this will cost the owner of a property with an assessed value of $250,000 an average of $245 per year. Learn more about the proposed bonds and their impact on our community at buckeyeaz.gov/bond.