On Monday, December 14, 2020, Cuyahoga Falls City Council unanimously passed the City Budget for expenses and capital expenses for the 2021 fiscal year.
“I want to commend City Council for their diligence and efficiency in unanimously passing the 2021 budget and Finance Director Bryan Hoffman for facilitating such a seamless presentation of our city finances,” stated Mayor Don Walters. “Road paving, water line replacements, and electric improvements remain a top priority of my Administration as we continue to increase investments to make much-needed upgrades to our infrastructure.”
“I want to thank City Council for their commitment to a smooth passage of the 2021 budget and thank them for their proactive approach of staying engaged with the various departments throughout the process,” said Finance Director Bryan Hoffman. “Our goal is to continue to provide sound financial management of these valuable dollars, and we strive to maintain transparency and public trust in the process as we work to continue to move the city forward in a positive direction.”
The 2021 budget continues to prioritize infrastructure improvements, with an additional half a million dollars being added for asphalt street paving to bring the total to $3 million and a total of $500,000 for concrete street repairs. There is $500,000 for the resurfacing of Chestnut Boulevard in addition to the $3 million, $2 million for Sourek Trail improvements, and $350,000 for a safety upgrade to create a silent crossing at Bailey Road. The budget includes continued consistency in the water line replacement schedule, numerous storm water projects, and electric infrastructure upgrades. The budget also provides necessary improvements for the relocation of 100 jobs that the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board will bring to the city in 2021. The city is making substantial investments in many park improvements. One notable project is starting the renovation of Galt Park Lodge.
The overall anticipated expenses for 2021 are roughly $177,232,478. General Fund revenues are forecasted to be around $34,025,160, with General Fund expenses budgeted at $36,448,730. Anticipated carryover in the general fund is $8,659,592 and all appropriated funds at $47,692,023.