City Council adopted the The 2024 budget on December 7, 2023.
The City Council has held multiple public meetings on the 2024 operating and capital budgets. The City Council held public hearings on the budget at the November 2, 2023, November 16, 2023 and December 7, 2023 meetings.
The 2024 expense budget is $88.1 million with $52.3 million of that on capital investment. The operating budget is $24.7 million to support high priority public services. The proposed budget includes the addition of six new full-time staff positions, including two additional police officers and four public works maintenance workers.
View the 2024 Adopted Budget
The City's Budget represents the proposed fiscal plans for the city. It brings together the direction and policies of the City Council working in a collaborative effort with the citizens, city staff and other interested parties, and best determines the financial resources available to establish the operating and capital plans for the next budget cycle. As a planning and policy document, one fundamental purpose of the City’s budget is to allocate resources that support the community’s vision and priorities.
About Ridgefield's Budget
The City of Ridgefield budgets on an annual basis, in line with the calendar year. The City is required by state law to have a balanced budget.
Some citizens think that all tax dollars and city revenues go into one large pot and can be spent in any way the Council wishes. In reality, there are different pools of money that have specific restrictions over the manner in which they can be spent.
The Annual Budget consists of the operating, special revenue, capital service, debt service and capital funds.
| Operating | - General Government
- Utility Government
- Water Fund
- Stormwater Fund
|
| Special Revenue | - Drug Fund
- Affordable Housing Fund
- Transportation Benefit District
|
| Capital Service | - Real Estate Excise Tax
- Park Impact Fees
- Traffic Impact Fees
- Water System Development Charges
|
| Debt Service | The Debt Service Fund is used to account for the principal and interest payments associated with the General Fund and general governmental funds, such as streets and parks. This does not include debt service associated with enterprise funds. |
| Capital Funds | - General Government Fund
- Water Utility Fund
- Stormwater Utility Fund
- Equipment Replacement Fund
|
Budget Process
The City budget is proposed by the Finance Director and amended and passed by the City Council. The budget process includes meetings with senior management, the Budget Advisory Committee and multiple work sessions with City Council. The Budget Advisory Committee consists of senior management, two council members, and a citizen at large appointed by the Mayor. The City Council holds public hearings on the proposed operating budget before approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on January 1.
Council Adopted Budget Policies: Council has adopted seven organizational goals that provide direction for staff and policy decisions to continue to better serve residents. New services or initiatives are considered based on how they assist in meeting these organizational goals. These policies provide the framework for the budget.
- Plan and Manage the Growth of the City
- Revitalize Downtown as a Destination Location
- Create and Maintain Economic Stability for the City
- Assure the City's Infrastructure is able to Meet Growing Community Needs
- Retain Culture and History of Ridgefield
- Maximize the City's Natural Resources and Attractions
- Actively Engage and Communicate with the Ridgefield Community
City Council adopted the The 2024 budget on December 7, 2023.
The City Council has held multiple public meetings on the 2024 operating and capital budgets. The City Council held public hearings on the budget at the November 2, 2023, November 16, 2023 and December 7, 2023 meetings.
The 2024 expense budget is $88.1 million with $52.3 million of that on capital investment. The operating budget is $24.7 million to support high priority public services. The proposed budget includes the addition of six new full-time staff positions, including two additional police officers and four public works maintenance workers.
View the 2024 Adopted Budget
The City's Budget represents the proposed fiscal plans for the city. It brings together the direction and policies of the City Council working in a collaborative effort with the citizens, city staff and other interested parties, and best determines the financial resources available to establish the operating and capital plans for the next budget cycle. As a planning and policy document, one fundamental purpose of the City’s budget is to allocate resources that support the community’s vision and priorities.
About Ridgefield's Budget
The City of Ridgefield budgets on an annual basis, in line with the calendar year. The City is required by state law to have a balanced budget.
Some citizens think that all tax dollars and city revenues go into one large pot and can be spent in any way the Council wishes. In reality, there are different pools of money that have specific restrictions over the manner in which they can be spent.
The Annual Budget consists of the operating, special revenue, capital service, debt service and capital funds.
| Operating | - General Government
- Utility Government
- Water Fund
- Stormwater Fund
|
| Special Revenue | - Drug Fund
- Affordable Housing Fund
- Transportation Benefit District
|
| Capital Service | - Real Estate Excise Tax
- Park Impact Fees
- Traffic Impact Fees
- Water System Development Charges
|
| Debt Service | The Debt Service Fund is used to account for the principal and interest payments associated with the General Fund and general governmental funds, such as streets and parks. This does not include debt service associated with enterprise funds. |
| Capital Funds | - General Government Fund
- Water Utility Fund
- Stormwater Utility Fund
- Equipment Replacement Fund
|
Budget Process
The City budget is proposed by the Finance Director and amended and passed by the City Council. The budget process includes meetings with senior management, the Budget Advisory Committee and multiple work sessions with City Council. The Budget Advisory Committee consists of senior management, two council members, and a citizen at large appointed by the Mayor. The City Council holds public hearings on the proposed operating budget before approval prior to the beginning of each fiscal year on January 1.
Council Adopted Budget Policies: Council has adopted seven organizational goals that provide direction for staff and policy decisions to continue to better serve residents. New services or initiatives are considered based on how they assist in meeting these organizational goals. These policies provide the framework for the budget.
- Plan and Manage the Growth of the City
- Revitalize Downtown as a Destination Location
- Create and Maintain Economic Stability for the City
- Assure the City's Infrastructure is able to Meet Growing Community Needs
- Retain Culture and History of Ridgefield
- Maximize the City's Natural Resources and Attractions
- Actively Engage and Communicate with the Ridgefield Community