City Council unanimously approved the City’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 total budget of $346.20 million at its June 4th meeting. The budget includes various fee schedule amendments. The City’s 2025 fiscal year begins July 1, 2024.
“Our City leaders and staff have presented a budget that will continue to provide services and monitor our fiscal responsibility as our city continues to grow and stay viable in the coming years,” said Mayor Richard Franks.
Some of the highlights of the budget include:
- No increases in electric or stormwater rates.
- Water and Sewer rate increase – 7.5% increase, an average monthly residential increase of $ 5.44 for a new average cost of $78.02 for services for 5,000 gallons of use.
- Solid Waste – a $3.00 per month increase to solid waste, $36.00 more per year.
- A four percent (4%) across-the-board increase for city employees and a one percent (1%) increase for participation in career development programming effective January, 2025.
- The City will continue with approved plans to expend more than $15.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. These funds are being invested in various departments such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Public Utilities, and Neighborhoods and Community Engagement. All funds must be encumbered by December 31, 2024. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Projects Update for the City of Gastonia
- The City will continue to expend more than $31,176,360 in direct state funds for miscellaneous water and wastewater infrastructure projects, an airport runway extension analysis and design for the Gastonia Municipal Airport, sewer upgrades for the Apple Creek Corporate Park, and funding for the African American History Museum.
“This is a well-developed budget that will provide necessary services and infrastructure for all citizens,” said City Manager Michael Peoples. “We will be able to achieve the City’s unanimously approved goals and objectives during an unprecedented time of diversified growth and necessary investment for a sustainable future.”
The City of Gastonia’s approved budget can be viewed here: City Budget webpage.