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City Council Members, Citizens and Others: <br />It is my privilege to present the 2023 budget for the City of Gem Lake. This budget, as adopted by the <br />City Council identifies how the City resources will be spent in 2023. This budget is the City's financial <br />management plan and has been designed to be responsive to public service demands and for carrying <br />out services over the coming year. The 2023 budget is the result of sound financial management, and <br />affords some protection for the future operation of the City. It is the City's intent to submit and manage <br />the budget in the most open and straightforward manner possible, which will allow consistent and <br />careful management of all resources. The City continually faces many challenges, which draw upon <br />the resources and value judgments of all of us. <br />The City budget focus has been to maintain services provided and existing infrastructure. To help <br />maintain services funds are budgeted to replace the City's software infrastructure. Public safety <br />remains a priority for the City. Also for 2022, the City has included increases to both the police and fire <br />budgets and a contingency budget of $9,000. The road maintenance budget includes funds for a <br />possible seal coat project to help the roads last longer. Finally, $20,000 is being budgeted to fund <br />future capital projects in the City. <br />On the revenue side, the largest revenue source is property taxes, which make up almost 90.0% of <br />total revenues for the City. The 2023 property tax levy is increased 19.495% and the City's tax capacity <br />increase 12.287%, which results in a tax rate of 40.651 % compared to 38.199% in 2022. Based on this <br />most residents would see an increase in their City property tax bills from 2022 to 2023. <br />As 2023 unfolds, the City is well positioned to meet current and future challenges through sound fiscal <br />management. It is our hope this budget will meet the expectations and need of Gem Lake residents. <br />My sincere thanks are extended to the City Council for their time and effort in the preparation of this <br />document. <br />Respectfully, <br />Tom Kelly <br />City Treasurer <br />