Photo Credit: paradisevalley.gov
Paradise Valley might be a relatively small town with a fiscal conservative mindset, but it still has bills to pay. Although its services may be streamlined, its well-off citizenry expects them to be delivered in an effective and timely manner, and with a mindset that prioritizes safety, security, and well-being. That begins and ends with the city’s budget, and that budget now has clarity for the upcoming year.
Last week the Paradise Valley Town Council unanimously approved the final budget for the 2024–25 fiscal year, totaling $61.3 million. This budget includes a $46.9 million expenditure limit, ensuring the town’s financial operations remain within set boundaries. The council’s 6-0 vote, with Council Member Scott Moore absent, is indicative of a strong consensus without the sort of battles that have typified previous iterations of council, and a strong focus on fiscal responsibility and strategic planning.
First, how does it compare to previous years? For a very high-level look, the 2023-34 budget allocated for $57.7 million in expenditures, representing a nearly 6% increase year over year. It contains a contingency fund of $8.4 million for any unexpected expenses, something which drops to $3.6 million the subsequent year.
The approved budget aims to address key areas such as infrastructure maintenance, public safety enhancements, and community services. The main sticking points were two particular line items: the multimillion-dollar pavement preservation project and the hiring of three motor police officers. While the pavement preservation project officially made its way into the budget, the additional law enforcement officers will be funded on an as-needed basis, with the healthy contingency budget being the source of the funding as needed.
The original iteration of the budget only passed with a 5-2 vote, with Moore and Councilmember Anna Thomasson voting against it. Thomasson wanted a more detailed line-item breakdown of various expenditures, and management came back with just that, leaving her satisfied. It is quite the indicator of leadership that is on top of their game when they request more details and they are delivered in a timely manner.
Perhaps one of the most notable things about this budget is a hallmark of Paradise Valley leadership: the boring nature of it. With relatively few needs, there are precious few hot button issues for any louder elements to coalesce around and raise a stink about. Sometimes boring is unequivocally a good thing, and when it comes to budgeting that is certainly the case. Having few major issues with no tax increases and no questionable allocations is the hallmark of great governance, and PV is lucky to have that.