The recommended budget totals $90,289,500. It’s a 1.95 percent increase over the FY 2016 base adopted budget, according to City Manager Bev Cameron.
The recommended budget is available for review online at FY 2017 Budget Documents.
The recommended budget
– maintains the existing real estate tax rate of 82 cents per $100.
– includes a two percent cost of living increase for city staff.
– provides full-year funding for two new positions added after adoption of the FY 2016 budget. These positions are Historic Resources Planner and Senior Environmental Planner.
– contains capital budget funding for a new elementary school, a downtown parking garage, a third fire station, and construction of Riverfront Park.
– proposes a $27,594,710 transfer for city schools, which is $150,000 more than the previous year.
“The recommended transfer [for city schools] does not meet the school board’s request for an additional $734,492 in city funds,” Cameron said. “Should City Council desire to fully fund the School Board’s request, a two-percent increase in the real estate tax will be required.”
The budget public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Call the city manager’s office at 540-372-1010 to sign-up to speak.
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