IVINS — After a multi-month process that included concerns about a possible deficit and discussions of a property tax rate increase, the city of Ivins has finalized a budget.
The city’s Council Thursday night approved both the final budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and a revision to the 2023-2024 budget.
Despite multiple hearings and more revisions than in past years, including nearly having a truth in taxation hearing when it was thought a tax rate increase to cover a budget deficit might be in the cards, Ivins Budget Director Cade Visser described the process that had gone on since late January as “fun.”
“With the caveat that we’re using savings,” Visser said, noting the city is digging into its rainy-day fund to cover a shortfall.
The vote was a unanimous 4-0, with Council member Lance Anderson absent.
“We have a budget. It’s nice to not see tentatives in front of anything any longer,” Ivins Mayor Chris Hart said after the vote.
The final budget for the next fiscal year is still short $114,983 with estimated revenues of $11,586,636 and spending of $11,701,619. The city is relying on anticipated revenue from the Black Desert Resort and other tourist attractions to make up for the shortfall, rather than a property tax rate increase.
Among the revenues are $456,509 being transferred from other funds to provide additional funds to avoid a larger deficit. That compares to $7,800 transferred from other funds in 2022-2023 and initially $17,000, then amended to $62,336, from savings in the 2023-2024 budget.
This year’s spending is $435,477 higher than last year’s budget, with officials citing the rising manpower costs of the city’s joint police and fire departments with Santa Clara being the main contributor.
Visser had praise for the City Council’s efforts to work out a budget.
“Our Council’s really invested and they care about making sure taxpayer money is used wisely and where it should be,” he said.
Along with some overall infrastructure improvements and some vehicle replacement for the police, the 2024-2025 budget also includes repairs and improvements for the Ivins Animal Shelter and phase two of the widening of Old Dixie Highway 91.
Also included are funds to complete the purchase from the state of 100 acres at the corner of the 91 and Main Street that will become a new regional park.
The tentatively-named Arrowhead Trail Park is planned to include a mountain biking course, frisbee golf and pickleball courts and a second city cemetery.
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