While Lyndhurst’s budget projects a deficit for 2023, city leaders are hoping for a repeat of 2022
LYNDHURST, Ohio — This year’s city budget includes nearly $2.2 million in spending, exceeding expected revenues. But city leaders are hoping this year will see the same outcome as 2022, when the opposite happened, despite forecasts that spending would exceed revenue.
The recently approved Lyndhurst budget for 2023 provides for revenue of $18,385,500 and projected expenses of $20,510,000.
A year ago when forecast for 2022, revenue was forecast at $16.6 million while expenses were estimated at $19.2 million, a negative difference of $2.6 million .
What actually happened in 2022 was exactly the opposite, as the city spent $16.2 million and actually earned $18.7 million, a positive balance of $2.5 million.
Explaining the positive record for 2022, Mayor Patrick Ward said: “Yes, we have incurred more project spending than we forecast, but as always, our council budgets are careful and our administration is careful with spending. Revenue exceeded our conservative estimates in the areas of income tax, expenses (Lyndhurst Municipal Court) and EMS billing, and our spending cuts affected all areas.”
The city’s 2022 budget was supported by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Lyndhurst received $700,000 in ARPA funding last year, the same amount as in 2021.
“The council approved the standard allowance and allowed ARPA funds to be used for government services,” Ward said. “These funds were used to operate security services in the last quarter of 2022.”
Regarding this year’s approved budget, Ward said: “Our council continues to plan carefully and estimate resources conservatively to ensure we maintain the high level of service that our residents have come to expect and that we have carried over the necessary resources into 2024. They also monitor fund balances and expenses throughout the year. Your commitment is an essential part of our success.”
This year brings problems such as inflation and unstable banking institutions.
“Along with our sister cities, we continue to break new ground as things are not back to ‘normal’ in our local workplaces,” Ward said, “so the impact of working from home and the challenges our local businesses continue to face continue will present many financial challenges and uncertainties.
“Furthermore, the impact of inflation on our residents, our employees and on us as a service company will put pressure on everything we do. I am fortunate to have a great Treasury Department and City Council that understands these pressures and is focused on what we are doing for our residents.”
Looking ahead, Ward said, “We’re taking a hurdle and another challenge is just around the corner. We are fortunate to have such a great team that is ready and willing to respond to anything that arises.”
As of January 1 of this year, the city had an overall budget balance of $7.68 million.
Anti-theft devices for Kia and Hyundai vehicles
Theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles is an ongoing problem across the region and country. The March 1 Lyndhurst police notice reported four Kia cars stolen from Legacy Village car parks in the days prior.
Between October and December 2022, it was reported that 1,203 Kia and Hyundai vehicles were stolen in the city of Cleveland, prompting that city to file a federal lawsuit against the two automakers for failing to install immobilizers in their vehicles. In mid-February, Cleveland began giving free club-like devices to residents with Kia and Hyundai cars to protect their cars from theft.
Lyndhurst Police published an article on their Facebook page on March 10 offering the anti-theft device to Lyndhurst Kia and Hyundai owners.
“To reduce recent auto thefts, Hyundai of America and Kia America have donated steering wheel locks for distribution by the Lyndhurst Police Department,” the post reads. “Lyndhurst residents who own either a Hyundai or a Kia that requires a steel key for ignition (not a push button or remote start) qualify for these locks. Residents must present proof of vehicle ownership (registration or title) along with photo identification for verification at the police station. There is a strict limit of one lock per vehicle.”
Higher wages for lifeguards
Most communities in the area are grappling with lifeguard shortages heading into the 2023 pool season. Lyndhurst City Council has voted to increase pay for lifeguards and pool staff while keeping swimming fees at the same level as 2022.
Pool staff is now being hired. To apply and take a look at the hourly pay structure for Lifeguard and Pool Personnel visit here.
New city website
The City of Lyndhurst has launched its new website and app. For more information about the app, watch this video.
For more Sun Messenger news, click here.
