Trotwood City Council unanimously approved an overall budget of $25,753,976 that maintains a balanced general fund for fiscal year 2021, during Monday night’s city council meeting. “This
reflects a healthy financial position in light of challenges posed by COVID‐19 and we will continue a conservative approach in our budgeting to help ensure long‐term financial sustainability for this community,” said Trotwood City Manager Quincy E. Pope Sr.

Mayor Mary A. McDonald said, “This is the sixth straight year for a balanced budget. We remain committed to building our cash reserves and expanding our commercial and residential tax base. We definitely anticipated some shortfalls in income and property tax revenues due to COVID‐19, but we were deliberate in implementing proactive budget strategies earlier in the year like freezing all hiring, keeping minimum operational staffing levels, eliminating all non‐essential spending, and deferring any new capital projects. These strategies have helped us mitigate unforeseen challenges.”

Highlights of this budget include:
 $757,000 dedicated to resurfacing and paving of roadways.

 A total of $3,935,942 requested in Capital Outlay from various operating budgets, of which 41.4% is grant funded.

 $30,000 dedicated to the implementation of carefully constructed, results‐oriented, strategic plan initiatives that puts a clear roadmap in place to address both current and long term needs by guiding the actions and financial commitment aimed at securing a positive future for the City of Trotwood.

 A total budget for all funds of $10,954,934 for personnel costs, a 3.9% increase over 2020. A 2% cost of living increase is included for OPBA Patrol and Sergeants Unions, IAFF Unions, Teamsters Union, and Non‐Union staff, with an overall impact of $163,650.

 Health care premiums for the city are anticipated to increase 6% or approximately $44,000 on an annual basis for 2019.

“The city has made great strides in regards to recovering from the Memorial Day tornadoes of 2019 and implemented good relief measures to mitigate revenue challenges posed by COVID‐19. Property values have increased, income tax revenues are stabilized, and the city has eliminated non‐essential spending,” said Finance Director Chris Peeples. “We will know more after the first quarter of 2021, but we are preparing ourselves to be able to withstand the impacts of COVID‐19 without affecting city services or financial obligations,” Peeples commented.