Granby has adopted a budget for 2020, which features three new full-time positions and increases spending over 2019 by $1.2 million.
The Board of Trustees approved the budget Nov. 12. The town conservatively forecasts revenue of $8.95 million next year and has budgeted expenditures of $9.4 million. The town will use $457,812 from reserves to balance the budget.
Sales tax revenue that accounts for 65.5% of total general fund operating revenues is anticipated to increase by 16.7% this year and by 7.5% next year.
Staffing increased by four positions in 2018 and by three positions this year. The staff will increase by three more positions next year to bring the town’s number of full-time employees to 36. The new positions include a town planner, a recreation sport coordinator, and a parks/streets equipment operator and maintenance person.
Full-time and part-time employee salaries and benefits budgeted for 2020 total $3.6 million or 36% of the expenditure budget.
The budget addresses four guiding priorities — implementing projects to improve the trail system connections, parks and infrastructure; pursuing affordable housing; enhancing business opportunities and the downtown area; and providing services and amenities, including transit, to Granby residents.
Almost $1.7 million will go toward street paving, sidewalk and traffic enhancements, a pickleball court, Fraser River improvements and upgrades to the town hall basement.
The town also plans to purchase some equipment and vehicles, including a police vehicle, excavator, lawnmower and second loader. Other capital expenditures include a possible traffic signal and downtown improvements such as parking upgrades.
The town has allocated $323,350 to economic development and marketing.
Granby is debt free with the exception of some minimal leases for office equipment and two Enterprise Fund loans.
Projects prioritized for the coming year include the downtown infill development incentive program; downtown parking and streetscape improvements; calming traffic on Agate Avenue; affordable housing; economic development; maintaining a year-round transit program; and a comprehensive master plan.