Roswell officials are reviewing a proposed $116.5 million budget that includes more money for police and road projects, but no tax rate increase.
Thanks in part to increased property values, the city's revenues are expected to increase this year by $11.5 million, or about 11 percent. Expenses are expected to rise by about 12 percent. The fiscal year 2009 budget will take effect in July.
New initiatives include $2.4 million for public safety improvements. Six new police officers and three additional detention officers will be hired. In transportation, the city plans to spend $5.6 million on intersection improvements, bridge maintenance, road resurfacing and traffic management.
Property tax collections in Roswell are expected to increase this year from $24 million to $26.2 million, said Mike Erwin, the city's budget director. The majority of that increase is due to increased property assessments, he said.
Mayor Jere Wood noted the proposed budget includes little shock value. "[The budget is] the most important decision we make of the year, and the least exciting," he said. "We try to keep the excitement out of the budget."
The City Council received the proposed budget in its meeting Monday and will review it in three work sessions this month. Sessions are scheduled for May 12, following the regular 7:30 p.m. council meeting, May 17, at 8 a.m., and May 22, at 6:30 p.m.
The city will hold public hearings on the budget and tax rate on Monday, June 2, June 9 and June 16.
Labels: Roswell City Council, Roswell Proposed Budget, Tax Rate
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 7:48 AM
