Cheney presents budget to council, public

CHENEY – At a public hearing on Oct. 22, Cheney’s Finance Director Cindy Niemeier presented the city’s 2025 revenue budget to the city council and residents at City Hall, marking the start of the city’s annual budget process.

The budget presentation, required by state law, was split into two parts, with Niemeier first covering the revenue side.

She explained that revenue is categorized into two primary types: governmental funds and enterprise funds.

“The enterprise fund is like running a business with a balance sheet, profit and loss, and income statements,” she said, contrasting it with general funds, which cover essential city services such as police, fire, and street maintenance.

For 2024, Cheney has received over $22.5 in revenue, with 42% from taxes, 30% from transfers and debt, 18% from service charges, 8% from intergovernmental sources, 1% from licenses and permits, and 3% from other sources.

The 2025 revenue projection totals $39.5, including a $15.7 million general fund that carries over revenue from 2024, some of which is restricted, such as $5 million designated for the aquatic center.

Taxes remain Cheney’s largest revenue source, generating nearly $6 million so far in 2024 and expected to reach $9.6 million by year-end. Niemeier projected slightly higher tax revenue for 2025 at around $9.8 million, primarily from property, sales, and utility taxes.

Property tax is expected to increase from $4 million to nearly $4.3 million in 2025, while sales and utility taxes are expected to remain steady.

Transfers and bond proceeds are the second-largest revenue source, including general obligation and revenue bonds for projects like the aquatic center. So far, Cheney has received close to $9 million in this category for 2024, surpassing the budgeted $6.8 million. Niemeier credited Cheney’s strong credit rating for securing favorable bond rates.

As Niemeier monitors revenues closely, she expressed confidence in the city’s financial stability. “I feel comfortable with our budgeting for 2025,” she noted.

Department heads will present their budget plans at upcoming council meetings, with the council set to approve the final budget as an ordinance in December. The budget will take effect five days after approval.