The City of Loveland is operating new budget software that promotes transparency.
The 2024 budget is the first to utilize the new software, ClearGov. The program is designed not only to expedite the budgeting process for staff but to provide residents with an accessible, searchable budget book.
The budget is available to view online at https://city-loveland-oh-budget-book.cleargov.com/11575/introduction/cover-page.
“This takes transparency to a new level,” stated Director of Finance Mark Medlar.
Staff began work on the 2024 budget in June 2023. In this process, department heads met with the city manager and assistant city manager to discuss project prioritization and grant opportunities. Then, revenue projections and fixed costs, such as payroll, were estimated for 2024. A draft of the budget, referred to as the 2024 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program, was presented to City Council at its Nov. 14, 2023, meeting.
2024 Budget
City Council approved the 2024 budget at its meeting held Nov. 28, 2023.
“The 2024 budget represents a significant effort on behalf of city staff members and the Finance Commission. We must be fiscally responsible while continuing to advance the city forward. Our goals always are to improve the quality of life for residents and fund a range of infrastructure needs,” City Manager David Kennedy explained.
Highlights of the 2024 budget include the following:
- Combined, General Fund revenues from real estate and income taxes are anticipated to exceed $8.7 million, which is the highest total in the city’s history.
- Investment in public safety remains a priority. Construction of a new Fire Station 63 will begin in January 2024, and the Loveland Police Department approaches full staffing.
- The Water Main Replacement (WMR) Fee will be utilized for the first time to replace water mains on Loveland-Miamiville Road and in the Loveland Heights. These projects represent the first significant water main replacement projects to be completed in more than a decade without the need to take on additional debt.
- Ongoing concerns from city residents regarding parking and traffic in the downtown business district will be addressed with the construction of a new downtown parking lot and reconfiguration of the existing City Hall parking lot.
- Connectivity of neighborhoods continues with the Loveland-Miamiville Sidewalk Phase II project.
- Investment in parks continues with projects scheduled for McCoy, Nisbet, and Lever Parks.
- Engineering studies will be completed to advance future projects including the Loveland-Madeira Road Business Corridor Revitalization and the Riverside Drive Bank Stabilization.
Learn More
Residents can search the 2024 budget and learn more about how projects are funded at https://city-loveland-oh-budget-book.cleargov.com/11575/introduction/cover-page.
Read more about infrastructure projects at https://lovelandoh.gov/190/Construction-Projects.