Yesterday, Mayor White rolled out his proposed 2009 budget:
Mayor Bill White unveiled a record $4 billion budget proposal Tuesday, calling for a sharp increase in spending on public safety while cutting the property tax rate by a half-cent.
The mayor’s fiscal 2009 budget also would, if approved, create a dedicated set-aside of tax revenues to pay for drainage improvements, fund the addition of 150 police officers and add 50,000 homes to the curbside recycling program.
“Because we’ve enjoyed strong economic growth, and because we’re running City Hall more efficiently, we can afford a tax rate cut of half a penny per $100 of valuation to bring our tax rate down,” White said.
City revenue is projected to be $4.07 billion in the new fiscal year, which begins July 1. That would be an increase of 6.7 percent over the current fiscal year.
The budget would provide an additional $105 million for police, fire and EMS. Public safety spending makes up 58 percent of the general fund.
The city will fund seven police cadet classes and shift 98 officers from desk and court duties to patrol.
The total police force should reach 5,194 by next summer, according to the spending plan.
White also pointed out plans for 300 new patrol cars, a new police station and property room, new helicopters, and the first phase of a new integrated radio system for first responders.
New to this year’s budget is a dedicated funding source for drainage improvements. Subject to council approval, 0.3 cents of every $100 in property value would be dedicated to flooding projects.
More than four years after the city learned that its emergency radio system is antiquated, Mayor White is ready to tackle the first phase of what will ultimately cost at least $160 million. There were just so many other pressing needs ahead of that priority.
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