Times Observer photo by Heather Cathcart-Norris Warren City Council members unanimously passed the 2025 budget this week. Mayor Dave Wortman is pictured speaking.

Warren’s 2025 budget isn’t increasing taxes, but it is increasing local oversight of Warren Worx.

During its latest meeting, the Warren City Council unanimously approved the proposed 2025 budget. The $10,569,375 spending plan is an increase of $737,218 from 2024. The fire department draws the most from the proposed budget at $3,020,473, followed by the public works department at $2,809,685, and finally the police department at $2,062,675.

On the revenue side $7,043,00 is projected tax revenue while intergovernmental revenue is projected at $845,578. The “licenses and permits” category is projected at $325,160. To balance the budget, $562,477 in fund balance is utilized.

Also, the proposed budget includes $8,417,000 in capital improvements, $3,072,366 in sewer fund operations, and $536,502 in parking fund operations. Projected parking fund revenues are garage permits at $100,000; parking meters at $105,000; and Midtown Lot fees at $90,000.

The first amendment approved gives the council the ability to revisit funding for Warren Worx, a countywide economic development program.

Council members added a provision to revisit the funding in June or July, allowing for a mid-year review. Additionally, the amendment calls for a new, more clearly defined agreement for Warren Worx that aligns with the calendar year to ensure better clarity and accountability moving forward.

The second adjustment to the budget allocates $1,000 to the Warren Area Student Union, which city officials said reflects the city’s commitment to supporting youth programs and activities. Discussion around adding the $1,000 contribution to WASU looked at the “slippery slope” of what organizations and programs the city should assist.

Council members emphasized that both amendments reflect the city’s priorities: fiscal responsibility and continued investment in programs that directly benefit residents.

With the unanimous passage of the 2025 budget, city officials expressed optimism about the year ahead, citing fiscal stability and a focus on enhancing programs that serve the community’s economic and social needs.

“City Council has passed the City of Warren’s 2025 municipal budget,” said Mayor Dave Wortman. “The department heads, staff, and city council, through fiscal responsibility and excellent budget execution, have ensured that the city continues to be in a strong financial position. Once again, for the third consecutive year, the city will not be raising taxes. This is a budget we all should be proud to pass; I know I am.”