Carmel City Council passes $232.6M budget

Submitted by City of Carmel

Carmel City Council members approved on Monday night a 2025 budget that aligns with the city’s strategic goals and addresses the complex challenges of the growing city.

The approved budget totals $232.6 million, with a General Fund budget of $143.9 million.  Carmel’s budget for 2024 was nearly $209 million.

Finkam

“Thanks to broad input from the community and the support of the council, we have aligned our planned spending with our community’s evolving needs,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “Like any prosperous city, we are addressing competing needs in a time of escalating costs and our budget prepares us to thrive.”

In his opening remarks, council president Tony Green, who led the council through a comprehensive review of the budget, was a strong partner in the process.

Green

“I enjoyed having the council debate and discuss details of the budget,” Green said, “and look forward to working with the mayor to ensure dollars are used in an accountable and effective manner.”

The 2025 proposed city budget was provided to the council Sept. 1 then was outlined in budget workshops late last month and was formally introduced to the council on Oct. 7.

For the first time, the city pursued a zero-based budgeting model, an approach widely recognized for supporting data-driven, transparent operations, as well as fiscal discipline.

The budget continues strategic investments for the city that supports the Elevate Carmel strategic plan goals including:

• World-Class Public Safety: Ensuring unparalleled community protection through proactive risk management and professional emergency response.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Optimizing resource allocation to guarantee long-term financial stability and growth.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Cultivating a visually stunning community that captivates residents and visitors.
• Livability: Fostering an environment rich in diverse and engaging experiences for individuals and families.
• Innovation and Growth: Nurturing a thriving ecosystem for city initiatives and businesses, embracing bold opportunities to expand, modernize, and drive economic prosperity.
• Employer of Choice: Hiring high-performing team members who can faithfully deliver on the city’s mission.

“The approved budget positions our city to be a model of fiscal responsibility and innovation,” Mayor Finkam said. “We are building a brighter future for our city and all who call Carmel home.”