GREENWOOD, Ind. – The City of Greenwood Common Council adopted the 2023 operating budget during the Oct. 17 common council meeting. The budget outlines Mayor Myers’ commitment to a balanced budget focused on strategic initiatives surrounding public safety, economic development, quality of place, infrastructure investment and operational excellence.
“Every budget I’ve presented to council has been balanced and each has been a result of having intentional conversations with departmental leaders and city councilors,” said Myers. “Greenwood’s strong financial health has allowed us to make strategic investments in public safety and infrastructure to ensure we are able to manage and grow our community without increasing taxes. The 2023 budget reflects a commitment to our community. It is all about quality of life and, we are delivering.”
Public safety continues to be a top priority for Myers’ administration. 31.48% of the budget will go toward public safety spending, including a 7% salary increase for merit positions and a 5% salary increase for non-merit positions. The police and fire departments will also receive three new probationary police officers and six new probationary firefighters.
The 2023 budget reflects a strong commitment to public safety,” said Greenwood Fire Chief Darin Hoggatt. “The salary increases allow us to be competitive with surrounding departments. And, for the first time in our department’s history, we will have all line firefighting positions filled with full-time employees. This is a big win for our department and our residents.”
Plans also include purchasing 16 new police vehicles and a new fire engine.
“We have great officers across our department, and it is critical that we have the tools and technology to stay ahead of the curve,” said Greenwood Police Chief Jim Ison. “As we continue to recruit the best and brightest officers, it is important that we also invest in training and equipment to ensure we can protect our citizens.”
Among all Indiana cities with more than 10,000 residents, Greenwood has the lowest city tax rate, while steadily increasing the city’s net assessed value.
The city’s net assessed value increased by 82% since Mayor Myers took office. In 2022 alone, Greenwood’s net assessed value increased by more than 20%.
“The annual budget is the main way we communicate our priorities to residents,” said Greg Wright, Greenwood City Controller. “Because we have remained conservative in our spending and projection plans, we are able to manage our budgets well and keep Greenwood’s city tax rate flat.”
As part of Greenwood’s commitment to transparency in all aspects of government, the city designed a way for residents to understand how the city spends and receives money by launching the Financial Transparency Portal. To view the portal, please visit greenwood.in.gov.
The view the approved 2023 operating budget, please click here.
