City Financial Performance Analysis Figure 16

BUDGET TRENDS FY2023 THROUGH FY2027

The financial performance analysis of the City covers a span of five years, with the estimated and projected data for FY 2026/27. The analysis reveals that the City of Eustis has historically experienced consistent growth in revenue and total fund balance, except for FY2026 Budget Year. There is a projected increase in FY2027 Fund Balance of $5,601,981 for the City overall. The expenditures exceeded the revenues in the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds, however Sales Tax Fund and the Trust and Agency funds revenues exceeded expenditures for two reasons. The Sales Tax Fund has budgeted fewer projects for FY2027 after completely several large infrastructure projects in FY2026, and the Trust and Agency Funds budgeted significant investment returns on pension assets. The City has adopted the same millage rate for property tax revenue for FY2027, after adopting the adjusted rolled back rate in FY2026.

Looking ahead, the budgeted revenues have increased by $1,165,423 from FY2025/26 to FY2026/27 and expenditures have increased by $5,213,739 for the same period. Ad valorem tax revenue increased by $838,333 due to property tax value assessments increasing. The increase in expenditures can be attributed to inflation, the 5% cost of living allowance plus $1,000 flat increase in salaries for employees, in addition to pension costs. There has been an increase in demand for services and a significant project in the Enterprise Funds, a ground Water Storage Tank. A new Enterprise Resource Planning software system that will be used citywide has been budgeted, and although the cost is sizable the need for a higher level of performance makes this an unavoidable expenditure. These performance measures are City-wide and align with Goal #3 of the City's strategic plan, which aims to provide quality, competent, and cost-effective governmental public services.

Revenue growth for FY2024/25 and FY 2025/26 grew slower, and expenditures were reduced in FY 2024/25 due to fewer capital projects budgeted. This is indicative of the economic and political uncertainty and the City Commission desire to provide taxpayer relief to residents.

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