Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has released a $525 million city budget, one that increases spending by just 1.3 percent over the current budget and maintains “critical programs and services” while closing a $50 million revenue gap.
Warren is closing that gap between what all existing city programs and services cost and the amount of money the city will have to spend by a combination of things. She’s cutting property taxes, but raising fees for garbage pickup and other services. The average city homeowner would see their tax bill drop by nearly $64 dollars, but they’ll pay about $29 more in water, trash pickup and street cleaning “Enterprise Fees.” The mayor’s budget also cuts 11 full-time positions and cuts $20.7 million out of capital expenses; that’s roads, buildings and equipment. They also hope to cut $5 million through more efficient LED lighting, a newer payroll system and other such measures. The rest is being met through additional aid from Albany.
Warren says she’s still able to maintain recreation, job development and other critical services while closing the gap. She says the city is also investing in an additional police recruit class to get higher police staffing, and investing in new fire equipment.
The total budget is $525,604,100, which stays well under the two percent state cap.
Mayor Warren presented the budget to city council today, and the presentation was also streamed on the city web page. Hearings will begin June 7th and a public hearing will be scheduled prior to the vote on June 20th.