SIDNEY — The city of Sidney income tax collections for 2022 were nearly 15.2% increase over 2021 and in 2021 was nearly 20% over 2020. These increased revenues after the pandemic were offset by high inflation as well as bringing back staffing of three additional firefighters, two police officers, a Planner, IT analyst, Street operator, and an additional park position. Finally, included in the 2023 budget is Ranger to help with both Code and Park Enforcement.

Renee DuLaney, Sidney Finance director, has submitted the following report:

Although income tax collections are the largest revenue source, the city continues to find other ways to augment city costs through grant programs and other sources. In 2023, the city budget reflects grant funding of $7.7 million. Included in this is grant funding is the demolition the old Wagner ware. The city is working actively with other Sidney organizations to utilize these funds for future development. These Sidney organizations are comprised of the Shelby County, Shelby County Land Bank, Sidney-Shelby Economic Partnership and Sidney Alive.

Some other 2023 budget highlights include the design for two new fire stations. Fire Station No. 2 built in 1981 is currently undersized to meet growing community needs based on feasibility and space programming studies. As a result, the city recently purchased land adjacent to its Service Center complex to build a modern Fire Station No. 2. The city also owns property on the north end of the city to build the third fire station. Additional staffing for these facilities would need to be funded through an additional tax levy. Sensitive to the economic downturn, City Council opted to wait for improved economic conditions before again placing on the ballot.

Also included in the 2023 budget is the design of a New City Hall. The current building was built in 1834. Construction of the eastern side of the City Hall facility was constructed as a part of the American New Deal Works Progress Administration program in 1939. On July 3, 1975, City Council dedicated a building expansion to the west of the existing structure. From the 1970s to the late 1990s, the building housed the police and fire departments, Sidney Municipal Court in addition to the administrative functions found in a typical City Hall. As the city continued to grow it became evident the space was not suitable to house all the various functions.

The Fire Department was moved to its new facility in 1996. Sidney Municipal Court was moved to the renovated Monumental Building in 2000, and a new police department was constructed in 2005.

In the ensuing years, the building has continued to function as the administrative center of city operations. Feasibility and space programming studies have been completed and revealed that the current City Hall space is underutilized and would be difficult to re-purpose according to modern standards.

As a result, the City is planning for the construction of a more secure, properly-sized, modern City Hall facility for the administrative operations. Various necessary improvements which have been put off for numerous years such as plumbing, heating, electrical would be eliminated with the construction of a New City Hall.

All financial documents can be found on the city’s website. This includes the 2023 adopted budget, as discussed above. The city also has a transparent site “Open Finance” to view detailed receipts and expenditures. The city’s finance department is committed to providing comprehensive financial data to our staff, and our residents alike.