On Monday, December 7, City Council adopted the 2021 budget, which will allow the city to continue to provide excellent customer service with less than a half a percent increase in taxes. This increase is far below most cities. Below are some key takeaways from the new budget. If you would like to learn more about the budget and the budgeting process, visit our City Finances page.
Highlights
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Tax levy increase of .33%, far below most peer cities with levy increases of 4% to 6%.
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Hiring the full firefighter cadet class.
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Fills all but one currently vacant public service worker positions in our Operations & Maintenance Department.
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Addresses critical technology security needs and adequately supports our ever-expanding technology portfolio.
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Shifts restricted use Economic Development Authority resources and establishes a position to address critical persisting disparities in our community in areas such as income, housing, health, victims of violence and provide leadership in the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion work.
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Turns two part-time positions into full-time positions in Code Enforcement and Accounting to more adequately address the work load in those areas.
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Keeps our wages competitive for city staff.
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106 of 107 sworn police officer positions will be filled.
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Enhances the Rec on the Go and Youth Outreach team programs.
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Provides resources for Police Reform.
Challenges
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Eliminating or not filling nearly 10 full-time positions, plus reducing seasonal staff.
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Reduction in administrative support.
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Reduces our crime analysis capacity.
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Reduction in communication capacity.
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Reduction in street and parks maintenance capacity.
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Uncertainty on 2021 special elections and civil unrest costs.