Communications Office

Budget Reflects Large Infrastructure Investments, Economic Growth

Earlier this month, the Norfolk City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. The budget document, which can be found on the City website, reflects significant budget growth, primarily due to large infrastructure and public improvement projects scheduled for construction in the next year. 

“This budget reflects a strong wave of growth and activity in the community,” Mayor Josh Moenning said. “It includes large projects, like Benjamin Avenue reconstruction, that have been planned and budgeted for over several years and stated priorities, like street maintenance work, that are now receiving record levels of designated funding. The opportunity to execute these priorities is made possible by very strong sales tax receipts and an injection of federal resources.”

Norfolk elected and administrative officials have made concerted efforts over the last several years to improve levels of service to the community, invest in crucial infrastructure repairs and extensions, and ensure a fiscally responsible fund balance.  In addition, strong sales tax revenue, valuation growth and an influx of State and Federal funding (grants, Coronavirus Relief, American Rescue Plan) have enabled the City to accomplish many needed projects and position the community for growth in coming years.

The 2021-2022 budget reflects positive revenue growth and much needed expenditures on infrastructure improvements and services.  Following are a few key highlights that set this budget apart from past years:

  • Street Maintenance Contract Work  $1,467,500

  • Benjamin Avenue Reconstruction, 1st – 13th   $9,385,250

  • 1st Street and North Fork Bridge  $2,517,000

  • Flood Control/Levee Recertification  $2,500,000

  • Solid Waste/Transfer Station Improvements  $2,735,858

  • North Fork River Rehabilitation   $2,708,398

  • Landscaping and Corridor Beautification  $962,068

  • Parks and Recreation Planning and Expansion  $946,098

  • Memorial Baseball Field Turf  $500,000

  • East Benjamin Avenue Trail   $465,000

In addition, the City of Norfolk received $2,163,587 from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (American Rescue Plan) and will receive another $2,163,587 this fiscal year for a total of $4,327,174.  Although the funding is accounted for in the annual budget, a majority of the funds have not yet been allocated.  The Mayor and City Council want to ensure the federal funding is spent on one-time projects that will benefit the community for years to come.

It is worth noting that planning for facilities improvements and infrastructure design is a complex process and can take years.   The City of Norfolk has been preparing, and budgeting, for many of the improvements listed above.  Through a combination of solid revenue growth, leveraging State and Federal grants, and taking advantage of record-low interest rates for bonding large projects, the 2021-2022 Budget is poised to deliver noticeable improvements across the community and turn plans into tangible projects for the betterment of Norfolkans.  The longer such projects wait to be completed, the more expensive and less likely they become. 

The City of Norfolk is in an excellent financial position, utilizing the revenue and funding available to accomplish both short and long-term goals, while still maintaining the 3rd lowest property tax levy among Nebraska first class cities. 

 The City of Norfolk budget, in its entirety, can be found at: https://norfolkne.gov/assets/site/documentcentral/finance/approvedbudgets/budgetbookfiscalyear2021-2022withlinks.pdf