Completing the Holly Ridge Municipal Budget was a dynamic experience rooted in collaboration and compromise. While the process was not always easy and garnered questions, this budget aligns well with my vision of the town and reflects its current and future needs. I went into this budget season trying to keep an open mind by pushing for the Town Manager to have more responsibility to construct a draft budget without initial council intervention. In the past, council was part of the entire process, from start to finish, often leading to confusion and substantial time wasted. This year, the Town Manager and staff worked together to deliver a draft budget. Council received the budget to analyze ahead of deliberation and collaboration. Subsequently, through two budget workshops and multiple drafts, I do believe a strong budget has been created. Looking to the future, one caveat I will be looking into is the need to have a more specific breakdown of line item spending. It is not sufficient to lump departmental spending in totality, rather, it would be more prudent to include each line item cost for each department. The same can be said for revenue. Overall, however, town staff, council, and all stakeholders worked hard to deliver a strong, forward thinking budget.
While the budget highlights included in the article and the graphic are not all inclusive, they do represent what I believe are the key takeaways and "wins" of the 2024/2025 budget.
Constructing a budget that balances fiscal responsibility with ambitious growth goals required extensive deliberation among stakeholders. My commitment to maintaining the tax rate at $.34 per 100 valuation exemplifies the dedication to fiscal prudence while ensuring residents receive essential services and infrastructure improvements. The tax rate remains one of the lowest in the area. A significant highlight of this year's budget is the introduction of a 24/7 fire medic service, aimed at enhancing emergency medical response capabilities throughout our community. This initiative not only prioritizes public safety but also underscores the forward-thinking approach to healthcare provision.
Moreover, the budget incorporates strategic investments in technology upgrades essential for municipal operations to keep pace with Holly Ridge's expanding needs. Funds allocated for road improvements signify our commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure, fostering smoother commutes and safer journeys for all residents. One particularly highlighted aspect of the budget, which garnered substantial attention and will continue to do so, is the enhancement of programs, activities, and amenities within our Parks and Recreation Department. These enhancements are designed to enrich community life, promote healthy lifestyles, and cultivate recreational opportunities that appeal to residents of all ages.
In essence, the Holly Ridge Municipal Budget represents a balanced blueprint for sustainable growth and community enrichment, reflecting an unwavering commitment to the future prosperity of Holly Ridge.
