The overview
The proposed FY 2024-25 budget for all funds is $3.96 billion, which is a 5.9% increase from FY 2023-24’s total budget of $3.74 billion. The general fund is $1.67 billion, which is a 4.4% increase from FY 2023-24 general fund of $1.6 billion.
The budget reserves $122 million for over 1,600 infrastructure projects, such as the construction of 28.9 miles of new sidewalks and the repair of 15.7 miles of sidewalks.
According to city documents, the proposed general fund also includes $35.5 million in funds for the continued implementation of the strategic housing implementation plan. This investment continues the city’s goal of producing and preserving 28,094 homes by 2031, with 33% either completed or under construction in FY 2024-25.
As a continued investment in public safety, the proposed budget includes funding for an additional 65 patrol officers as well as 15 new firefighter positions to address medical calls at fire stations 4, 19 and 44.
As an investment in city staff, the proposed budget includes $55 million for employee compensation for 13,839 employees, both uniform and civilian. Civilian employees will receive a 3% across-the-board cost of living raise effective Oct. 1. Police officers will receive a 4% increase effective April 1 in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement with the police union. The city is in negotiations with the fire union, and the budget reflects a 7% increase for firefighters effective Oct. 1.
The budget does not propose an increase to the property tax rate, which will remain at $0.54159 per $100 valuation.
Zooming in
In an effort to maintain service levels, the proposed budget recommends some fee increases, including an increase to the false burglar alarm fees to the maximum amount allowed of $250 for residential and commercial users, up from $75 and $125 respectively. The emergency medical services transport fee will increase from $1,000 to $1,250. The budget also recommends a $0.50 increase per month for solid waste pickups on medium and large carts to address increased costs for labor, equipment and disposal fees.
Stay tuned
City officials will continue to hold budget work sessions Sept. 17-18 ahead of adoption Sept. 19. The FY 2024-25 budget will take effect Oct. 1.
