City of York: City Manager’s Monthly Report Highlights Growth, Community Engagement, and Major Project Progress – March 2025

The City of York continued its momentum in March 2025 with a focus on community engagement, infrastructure development, and fiscal responsibility. The Community Engagement Department organized several events, including the Grand Opening of the City Park Amphitheater and an AI & SEO workshop for small businesses. Staff also attended conferences and hosted outreach programs, including a presentation at First Baptist Church and a meet-and-greet with the Rose Bowl Parade President. Preparations are underway for the upcoming Will Frederick Memorial 5K and the 8th Annual Silver in the City.

Grand Opening of City Park Amphitheater
AI & SEO Mastery Workshop held downtown
Will Frederick 5K and Silver in the City scheduled for April

City administration focused on economic development and strategic planning. The City Manager attended several community events, including a hotel groundbreaking, the State of Education event, and the York County Chamber Awards Banquet. Meetings with developers and city stakeholders continued, and budget planning for FY25–26 began with a City Council workshop. York was recognized with the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award and aims for the prestigious Triple Crown Award next.

City Manager met with York County Economic Development
FY25–26 Budget preparation initiated
GFOA Distinguished Budget Award received

Finance staff reported strong performance, with over $100,000 earned in interest from investments in March and a total of $645,000 year-to-date. The new BS&A accounting software is live, and the AMI water meter project is moving forward. The city received $6.6 million in state appropriations to fund Fire Station #2, a police substation, recreation complex upgrades, and a new fire apparatus.

$645K in interest earned YTD from LGIP accounts
BS&A software fully implemented
$6.6M in state funding secured for capital projects

The Municipal Court processed 179 new cases and collected over $27,000 in deposits. The Fire Department continued planning with Stewart Cooper Newell on Fire Station #2. The Police Department recorded 8,909 service calls for the fiscal year and participated in community outreach events like lockdown drills and a blood drive. New hires and leadership training sessions, including FBI-hosted Command College, were also highlights.

8,909 calls for service documented by Police
Lockdown drills held with local schools
Planning underway for Fire Station #2

Human Resources participated in multiple career fairs and hosted an Employee Appreciation Day. The department is developing a compensation pay scale and working with local colleges to build partnerships. March saw seven new hires, including firefighters, police officers, and utility staff. The voluntary turnover rate remains low at 1.42%.

7 new hires in March
Career fairs and student outreach underway
Compensation pay scale review in progress

The Parks & Recreation Department launched spring sports, with over 200 participants in T-ball, coach pitch, and youth softball/baseball leagues. Winthrop Baseball hosted York Recreation Youth Night, and gymnastics and fitness classes continued. Maintenance staff focused on field prep, lighting repairs, and landscaping. City Park Phase 2 and Green Street Park projects have reached closeout.

200+ youth registered for spring sports
City Park Phase 2 project completed
Winthrop Baseball Youth Night held

Planning and Zoning issued 79 residential and 8 commercial construction permits in March and collected more than $382,000 in fees. Several development projects, including Cannon Village, Brighton Springs, and McFarland Estates, are progressing through phases of construction, platting, and infrastructure installation. The Planning Commission recommended denial of a rezoning request at Alexander Love Hwy and North Congress St.

87 permits issued in March
$382K+ in impact and capacity fees collected
Major development projects in active progress

Public Utilities and Public Works staff handled 45 new work orders, hydrant testing, and water/sewer infrastructure installations across the city. Weekly safety meetings and daily briefings were implemented. Utility crews completed water meter installations and replaced hydrants along Liberty Street and Georgia Avenue as part of ongoing projects.

45 work orders created in March
Hydrant replacements and flow testing resumed
Safety training for utilities staff ongoing

Capital Program Management efforts included stakeholder meetings, a vendor license audit, and updates to the city’s Impact Fee Capital Improvement Plan. Staff attended grant training sessions and leadership development programs. Major infrastructure projects like Fergus Crossing, Wilkerson Place, Brighton Springs, and Cannon Village continue to move toward final buildout, while new subdivisions like McFarland Estates and Bellina advance through permitting and construction.