The city’s general spending fund could top $1 billion for the first time.
Earlier this week, city manager David Cooke presented the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget to City Council + we’re here to turn the 60-page presentation into a quick morning read.
Tax changes
The proposed total operating budget is just under $2.6 billion — 12% higher than last year — and will include a four-cent property tax reduction, which is the largest reduction in decades. The new tax rate will be set at $0.6725 cents per $100 valuation.
Budget biggies
This year’s theme — “So Safe, So Clean, So Green” — reflects the city’s priorities for public safety, litter abatement, and sustainable initiatives. Here are some of the general fund highlights:
$535 million for Police and Fire departments
The $43 million increase will add 182 new positions, using over half of the general fund for public safety.
$98.7 million for the Park and Recreation + Library departments
The $10.7 million increase will cover mowing and litter removal, a new aquatics master plan, staffing and hours at six community centers, and the construction of the Westside library branch in District 7.
$97.8 million for the Transportation & Public Works department
The 10% increase will address street repair programs, maintenance, ADA accessibility, and training.
$23 million for the Neighborhood Services department
With a 60% increase since last year, the budget includes advanced initiatives to reduce homelessness, allow the Neighborhood Improvement Program to address an additional neighborhood each year, and add 200 homes to the priority home repair program.
New initiatives
The proposal also includes the creation of a new Environmental Services Department that will oversee solid waste, and health + environmental quality functions. The new department — previously housed under the Code Compliance department — will access the $741 million enterprise funds, which are 11% higher than last year.
What’s next?
City Council will review the proposal and adopt the final budget in September before the start of the fiscal year on Sunday, Oct. 1. Public budget discussions run from Wednesday, Aug. 16 to Tuesday, Sept. 19.