City Of Lawrenceville: LAWRENCEVILLE PASSES $147-MILLION ANNUAL BUDGET

Press release from the City of Lawrenceville:

June 23, 2021

County seat to focus on infrastructure, public safety, service delivery and the arts.

City of Lawrenceville Mayor and Council voted to adopt the city’s $147-million annual budget during the monthly public meeting. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget will focus investment in four key areas - infrastructure and development, public safety, service delivery, and community investment in the arts.

“I am extremely proud of the work completed by city staff to efficiently plan for the future of Lawrenceville, while remaining ever mindful of the investment of public dollars,” stated Mayor David Still. “We look forward to the continued delivery of essential services to the public while moving Lawrenceville forward according to our strategic plan.”  

The FY2022 budget presentation was made by Director of Finance Keith Lee.  Included in the final approved budget are the following investments in development/redevelopment and infrastructure improvements:   $1.1-million directed toward road resurfacing and street maintenance; $6-million invested in electric and gas system infrastructure to maintain and improve the service delivery; and $1.8-million directed toward stormwater projects for improved drainage systems. 

To increase public safety, over $1-million focused on IT related infrastructure improvements for enhanced security and efficiencies; and $10.7-million dedicated to police funding, which includes uniform patrol, investigations, and special operations, including the creation of Project F.I.R.S.T., a police-mental health co-responder program between the Lawrenceville Police Department and View Point Health. 

In a special focus on service delivery, the FY2022 budget includes financial parameters for maintaining curbside recycling and creating a new fee system for weekly sanitation pick up: $10/month in year one, increasing to $20/month in year two. 

The city will continue its community investment in the arts with $250,000 focused on Arts Commission projects; $900,000 is designated for a special event fund to support the creation of a Youth Council, Diversity & Inclusion programming, and community events.   The budget also incorporates an investment in human capital with the inclusion of a 5.5% raise for employees to be implemented January 1, 2022, better ensuring competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent in all departments.

The millage rate will be reviewed and voted upon over the next 60 days.  The FY2022 budget includes a 0.42 millage increase, projected in June 2020.   This supports the addition of four police officers and three Street Department crews and equipment.  The millage rate increase equates to a 25% increase, but only a $4/month on the average home ($200,000) in the City of Lawrenceville.

“As always, our goal as staff is to support the budgetary vision of Mayor and Council, as they speak for the community,” stated City Manager Chuck Warbington. “Our staff has created a solid and strategic budget that will continue to keep the City of Lawrenceville financially strong, while positioning it for continued growth, utilizing innovation and partnerships for optimum results.”

Now adopted, the FY2022 budget will go into effect July 1, 2021. For additional details and to view the full budget presentation, visit the agendas and minutes section of the website. 

This press release was produced by the City of Lawrenceville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.