Strategic Framework and Performance Measures

Introduction

The FY 2025 Budget for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves establishes a strategic framework for addressing key infrastructure needs, ensuring fiscal stability, and supporting the town’s long-term growth. Historically rooted in agricultural development, Loxahatchee Groves has transitioned into a residential community with infrastructure demands that have outpaced the original systems designed for drainage and transport. As the town confronts challenges such as flooding and deteriorating roadways, this strategy outlines the critical initiatives and performance measures needed to modernize and sustain essential services.

Strategic Focus Areas

Loxahatchee Groves manages over 30 miles of canals and more than 50 miles of public roads, which are essential for water management and transportation. However, these systems need significant upgrades. The town’s key infrastructure priorities include:

• Canal Restoration and Stabilization: Reinforcing canal banks to prevent erosion and ensure proper water flow.
• Road Maintenance and Paving: Improving road safety by repairing and paving roads to reduce long-term costs.
• Drainage System Improvements: Enhancing the town’s drainage capacity to address frequent flooding and environmental impacts.

Funding and Financial Strategy

The town's infrastructure projects are funded through a combination of local taxes, state appropriations, and grants. We are prioritizing critical infrastructure upgrades while actively seeking additional funding sources, including cost-sharing agreements with external partners. This approach ensures that financial resources are allocated efficiently and strategically, while also maintaining sufficient reserves for future needs.

The total budget for FY 2025 is $12.85 million, reflecting a 4.6% increase from FY 2024. This growth is attributed to increased property tax revenues and the need to invest in infrastructure improvements. Property values have risen by 18.3%, providing the town with additional revenue to fund these projects while keeping operational costs under control.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

• Inflation and Rising Costs: Like many municipalities, Loxahatchee Groves is facing increased costs for materials and fuel, impacting both infrastructure projects and general operations. The town is implementing cost-control measures to mitigate these challenges.
• Future Funding Opportunities: The town will continue to seek additional funding through state and federal grants to reduce the need for future tax increases and ensure ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Collaborative Approach

Loxahatchee Groves is committed to transparency and collaboration in addressing these infrastructure challenges. Engaging with stakeholders and residents is a key part of the town’s strategy, ensuring that projects align with community needs and growth goals. This forward-looking approach will help lay the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future for the town.

Strategic Plan

The strategic plan for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, as outlined in the FY 2025 budget document, focuses on several key priorities to address the town's infrastructure, resilience, and community needsas follows:

Infrastructure Modernization:

• Road and Drainage Improvements: The town is focusing on upgrading its drainage and roadway systems, including canal stabilization efforts. This includes paving projects, drainage improvements in lower-lying areas, and securing necessary easements for development.
• Capital Improvements: The town has allocated significant funds toward capital projects such as pump house retrofitting and drainage system overhauls, supported by state appropriations.

Financial Stability and Reserve Management:

• Budget Allocation: The budget for FY 2025 stands at $12,853,000, reflecting a 4.6% increase from the previous fiscal year. The town is maintaining its ad valorem millage rate at 3.00 mills while anticipating a rise in revenues due to an increase in property values.
• Reserve Building: A key focus is maintaining financial reserves at 25% of the operating budget to ensure fiscal health and to prepare for future needs.

Sustainability and Community Resilience:

• Environmental Resilience: The town seeks to implement sustainable solutions such as canal stabilization, stormwater management, and addressing long-deferred infrastructure maintenance.
• Alternative Solutions: The plan explores retaining walls and hydraulic improvements as part of its infrastructure strategy.

Community Engagement and Safety:

• Community Collaboration: Engaging residents and stakeholders in decision-making processes remains central to the town's strategy, ensuring alignment with community priorities.
• Public Safety and Maintenance: The town continues to invest in public safety and operational services, including legal services, contracted services, and addressing solid waste management.

Staffing and Organizational Development:

• Human Resources: The town emphasizes maintaining the same staffing level while addressing cost-of-living increases. Investments are being made to enhance staff compensation and development to meet service delivery expectations.

Conclusion

The FY 2025 budget for Loxahatchee Groves is designed to balance immediate infrastructure needs with long-term financial health. By focusing on infrastructure modernization, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning, the town is well-positioned to meet future challenges while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. This document provides an outline by department of strategic goals and objectives as well as performance measures.

Note: This page as well as the subpages are under construction and is the first year of compiling metrics!