Mayor Battle Introduces FY 2018 Budget to City Council
Published on September 14, 2017
Mayor Tommy Battle presented the City’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018 to the City Council at tonight’s regularly scheduled meeting.
The Mayor proposed a balanced $400.6 million budget, which includes $197.6 million in general fund operations and $157.6 million in capital projects.
The general fund, or operating budget, represents a modest $600,000 increase over 2017 and provides level funding for most municipal departments and outside agencies. About 74 percent of the general fund goes toward personnel expenses.
“We’re keeping our operating expenses at the lowest possible cost while still addressing the demands of a growing city,” said Mayor Battle. “In the capital budget, public safety, infrastructure improvements and quality of life projects remain a priority.”
The Mayor is asking Council to double the funding for road repaving in the capital budget to $12 million. Of that amount, $8 million will be dedicated for resurfacing residential streets and $4 million for major collector roads.
“We’re putting substantially more money into repairing our roads, more than we ever have before,” said Mayor Battle. “It’s a basic need we’ve seen throughout the city.”
The budget adds 10 additional police officers, makes significant investments in parks and recreation, and fulfills commitments to help fund construction of new public libraries for North and South Huntsville.
Highlights of the FY18 Budget
Funding for 10 new police officer positions
$12 million for road repaving
$26.2 million in new road construction (includes $25 million for Restore Our Roads)
1% Cost of Living increase for City employees
$37.4 million for public park and recreation projects
$16.8 million for outside agency special appropriations
$23.1 million for Huntsville City Schools
$12 million for community projects
Following tonight’s introduction, Council members will hold a work session on Sept. 18, at 5 p.m., to review the budget in greater detail. They are expected to five final budget approval on Sept. 28, in time for the Oct. 1 start of the 2018 fiscal year.
The proposed budget may be viewed here on the City Council Agendas web page – items 14.b – e; 14.h.
