Callaway’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year is a staggering $56.2 million, which is a lot for our city. It’s easy to feel like everything is essential when you look at the numbers, but once you dig into the details, you can see where we could save money, cut some waste, and put more funds toward things that really matter—like our city’s infrastructure.
Don’t get me wrong, certain services are absolutely necessary. We can’t skimp on public safety or keeping the city running smoothly. But there are some places where the spending feels a little bloated, and with a few smart changes, we could redirect those dollars to projects that will benefit everyone in Callaway for years to come.
Cutting Back Where It Counts
Let’s start with some of the smaller, less obvious places. The City Commission budget is $56,525—not huge, but even small amounts can add up. Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at some of the perks and non-essential expenses here. Could we get by with less? Probably.
Then there’s Information Technology, which clocks in at just under $92,500. Sure, we need tech to keep things running, but are we paying for fancy software or services we don’t need? Lots of other cities are finding ways to cut IT costs by shopping around for better deals or even switching to free or low-cost alternatives.
Planning and Code Enforcement is another area that could be trimmed. This department has a budget of $404,407. Now, planning is important, but are we duplicating efforts? Are we overstaffed? There might be room to slim this down without affecting the quality of service.
One of the biggest areas for potential savings is Leisure Services, with a budget of $1.7 million. Now, I’m all for parks and recreation, but does every project need to happen right now? Scaling back or delaying a few upgrades could free up a lot of money that could go toward more urgent needs. Residents understand that sometimes, when it comes to spending, it’s all about priorities.
What We Can’t Afford to Cut
Of course, there are parts of the budget that are non-negotiable. Law enforcement and fire services, for example, are absolute necessities. Public safety has to be our top priority. Cutting back here could put lives at risk, so we need to make sure these departments have what they need to keep us safe.
Another critical area is Emergency Debris Removal, with over $1.2 million allocated. Living in Florida, we all know how quickly a storm can wreak havoc, and this budget ensures we’re ready to deal with the aftermath of a hurricane or other disaster. Skimping on this would be reckless.
Shifting Focus to Infrastructure
Now, here’s where things get interesting. With some strategic cuts, we could redirect funds to tackle our city’s most pressing infrastructure needs. Roads, water systems, sewer lines—these are the things that keep Callaway running smoothly, but they’re not exactly glamorous. Still, if we don’t invest in them now, we’ll pay for it later, either in higher repair costs or in inconvenience when things start breaking down.
Right now, the Capital Projects Fund is set at $29.2 million, but if we can trim fat in other areas, we could funnel even more into this fund without raising taxes. And the good news? Infrastructure investments don’t just fix problems—they also create jobs and boost the local economy. It’s a win-win.
Free Market Solutions: Less Spending, Better Services
Here’s where we can start thinking outside the box. What if we didn’t have to rely on the city to do everything? By using free market solutions, we could lower costs without sacrificing service.
Take solid waste services, for instance. The city currently spends over $818,000 on waste management. But what if we opened this up to competitive bidding and let private companies fight for the contract? Other cities have done this and seen their costs drop while keeping the quality of service high. Letting the free market handle certain services could save us a ton.
Another idea is to look at fleet maintenance. Instead of maintaining a full-time team to take care of city vehicles, we could contract this out to local businesses. That way, we’re only paying for repairs when they’re needed, rather than keeping staff on standby for work that might not come around often.
Finally, public-private partnerships could be a great way to fund large infrastructure projects without putting the entire burden on taxpayers. Private investors could help finance roads or public buildings, and in return, they get a share of the revenue. These partnerships have worked well in other cities, so why not give it a try here?
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, this budget is about making smart choices with taxpayer money. By cutting back where we can, focusing on the most important projects, and embracing free market solutions, we could save a lot of money and put it toward building a better, stronger Callaway.
No one wants to pay more taxes, and we shouldn’t have to. With a little creativity and a willingness to re-examine where our money goes, we can find ways to save without sacrificing the quality of life we all want. It’s time to put the future of Callaway first.
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr. | Founder/Contributor
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