Mayor Richard J. Kos today announced the proposed budget for the City, requesting $183,525,195.82 to finance both City and School operations,
The budget calls for a 3.14% increase in spending, or an additional $5,591,075.80 in comparison with the 2016 fiscal year.
The budget that will be reviewed by the City Council for approval prior to June 30, 2016, allocates for $81,358,475.51 for the School Department which exceeds net school spending requirements in an effort to bridge the gap in their $4.8 million budget deficit. The additional $1.25 million commitment from the City, if approved by the City Council, will prevent any personnel layoffs.
The budget continues to fully fund the Police and Fire Departments which because of the continued commitment of the City Council are at the highest complement of personnel in the City’s history.
In addition it provides resources for our technical and security needs both as a city and specifically public safety with a new expense account for public safety technology and a special account for capital acquisitions for an updated Police and Fire Department server as well as additional municipal storage capacity.
The Planning Department is establishing a new position of Assistant Planner, which will complement our currently robust grant writing efforts with additional resources to pursue private sector funding.
The budget increases were primarily impacted by increased health care costs, decreased revenues for our school department, and contractual obligations reflecting an average 2% wage increase for the year.
“As a City Council, we look forward to our review as we work together to continue to provide for the needs of our City,” said City Council President John Vieau.
“This budget reflects my initial efforts in balancing the present and future needs of our City, while taking into consideration our ability to pay,” said the Mayor. “With the Council’s assistance, we will continue to provide for the level of services that we have come to enjoy in our City while always respecting the taxpayer. I look forward to reviewing this budget with the Council.”