Positioning the City to weather a continued recession was the overarching theme of City Manager Curt Walton's proposed budget, which he presented to City Council on Monday, May 11. The proposed city-wide FY 2010 Strategic Operating Plan and FY 2010—2014 Capital Investment Plan totals $1.87 billion and would not require a property tax increase.
The proposed budget accounts for sharp decreases in revenue generated by sales tax, which is expected to drop 10 percent as well as decreases in user fees, which are projected to decline 44% in the next fiscal year.
The proposed budget is a culmination of numerous reductions made across the organization in previous months in response to the worsening economy. The reductions, which totaled $6.5 million, were carried over to balance the budget, and while the cuts are significant, they do not comprise service delivery.
Highlights of the proposed budget include the following:
General Fund
-
Shift $4.5 million from the CIP to supplement street resurfacing. The additional monies will allow the City to reduce the resurfacing cycle from 15 to 12 years.
-
$2.8 million for one-time CMPD equipment costs for 150 new officers requested under the Federal American Recovery and Investment Act
-
$500,000 reserve for the pending non-residential code enforcement ordinance
-
$1.3 million for Single Stream Recycling start-up costs , which consolidates all recycling material into one collection bin
-
$5.4 million for resources to service newly annexed areas such as new fire ladder and engine companies and additional solid waste, street maintenance and code enforcement crews.
Capital Investment Plan
-
$6.0 million for a new Providence Division Police Station
-
$7.7 million for a new Eastland area Fire Station
-
$9.5 million for infrastructure improvements along North Tryon Street between Dalton Avenue and 30th Street
-
$8.0 million for Streetcar planning and design to determine project elements and total cost
Financial Partners and Outside Agencies
-
Most Financial Partners' recommended funding reduced 2% from FY09
-
Exceptions made for Financial Partners that directly benefit citizens impacted by the current economy. The following financial partner budgets recommended to be held flat: Community Link, United Family Services – Victim Assistance Ministry, United Family Services – Consumer Credit Counseling and Housing Services, Crisis Assistance Ministry, and YMCA Community Development
Additional Non General Fund Highlights
To offset debt for capital investments and operating costs, the budget includes a 5.2% increase in residential water rates, increasing the average monthly water/sewer bill from $45.60 to $47.97. The Storm Water residential tier structure is proposed to change from a two-tier structure to a four-tier structure. Most residents will see their monthly bill increase from $5.90 to $6.02.
Over the next few weeks, the Mayor and Council will discuss and make adjustments to the Manager's recommendations. Citizens may sign up to provide their comments at the budget public hearing by calling the City Clerk's Office at 704-336-2248. The full calendar of activities includes:
Council Budget Adjustments – Wednesday, May 20
Public Hearing (including storm water) – Tuesday, May 26
Budget Adjustments and straw votes – Wednesday, June 3
Budget Adoption – Monday, June 8
For more information, visit citybudget.charmeck.org or keep up with the latest budget developments on City Source, the City's weekly news show on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
