City Budget Picture Looks Bright as Talks Begin on $32-Million Plan

With a proposed budget for the coming fiscal year ready for public review, the City Council will hold a workshop this morning to consider the proposal.

The $32-million spending plan holds few surprises and has a generally optimistic outlook for the coming year, predicting a 2% increase in property taxes and a similar increase in sales and hotel tax revenue, which are already at an all-time high.

The budget does not call for any increases in fees or taxes.

As in recent years, $700,000 must be transferred from the city’s parking fund to balance the general fund.

Although $14 million in the budget is set aside for specific purposes, city officials will determine how to spend the other $18 million. As proposed, 59% of the money would go for police and fire services and 20% would be allocated for municipal services, such as street repairs and park and beach maintenance.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall at 505 Forest Ave. Additional hearings on the proposed budget will be May 20 and June 17.

Copies of the proposed budget are available at City Hall.