On Monday, May 8, City Manager Pam Syfert recommended a budget of basics to City Council that emphasizes safety, streets and service.

The City can cover current services, including higher costs for them, without additional revenue.  The budget does include a proposed 4.5¢ increase in the property tax rate to pay for new police officers, needed road improvements, revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing the availability of affordable housing.  That would mean an increase of $67.50 per year on a $150,000 home.  The proposed increase would fund the following:

Capital Investments (Allocation of 3.25¢)
 - Transportation Projects (i.e. roads, sidewalks and bike lanes)
 - Neighborhood Improvements
 - Affordable Housing
 - Fire Stations

Public Safety (Allocation of 0.75¢)
 - Includes the addition of 55 sworn Police positions

Street resurfacing (Allocation of 0.50¢)
 - Allows City to resurface streets every 18 years instead of every 28-31 years.

Water and Sewer Service
Residential water and sewer customers will see an increase of 6.5% in water and sewer rates.  The increase will help fund capital investments such as additional water and sewer lines and facilities.  The average month water/sewer bill for residential customers will increase $3.09 from $47.39 to $50.47.

Storm Water
To support growth in the City's aggressive storm water management program, stormwater rates will rise 7%, increasing the average fee 34¢ from $4.81 to $5.15.

View more information on the City Manager's recommended budget.