City approves budget, begins new fiscal year

City Council approved a $1.8 billion budget in September that provides for increased street maintenance and addresses critical service issues by providing for more than 150 additional police officers, additional firefighters, paramedics and code compliance officers, and increases the City’s financial reserves. The City’s 2006-2007 Fiscal Year began October 1.

The 2007 General Fund budget focuses 85 percent of enhancements on five priority areas: $15 million will be set aside for a new Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund to offset General Fund shortfalls projected in future years; $7.6 million has been added for street maintenance, sidewalks and signals;100 additional uniformed police officers will improve patrol availability, decrease response times and enhance special operations units; nine additional firefighters and 24 paramedic positions will be added to meet an increasing volume of emergency calls; and eight new code officers will be funded to expedite code enforcement actions.

“This year’s budget was a true collaboration between the Mayor and Council, City employees and the community,” said City Manager Sheryl Sculley. “The budget is a reflection of the City’s commitment to provide residents with high quality level services.”

Additionally, funds have been approved to increase graffiti abatement and enhance animal care services provided by the City. The City also will expedite the automated garbage collection. City employees will receive increased pay adjustments and several health insurance options to meet their individual needs.
Significant efforts were made to encourage public and employee input throughout this year’s budget process. Residents and employees were asked for their budget input before and after the proposed budget was presented to City Council on August 10. This year, community budget hearings were held in all ten Council district between August 14 and August 28. More than 800 residents participated in the hearings. A comprehensive brochure, video and website also were available to residents seeking budget information.

For the fourteenth straight year, San Antonio will not experience a property tax increase.

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