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NEWS
A look at key proposals
Here's a look at key proposals in Mayor David Felinton's proposed budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year:
BUDGET AMOUNT: Felinton has proposed a $39,120,867 budget, which is $125,837 higher than this year's approved budget.
PUBLIC SAFETY: The budget includes funding for six new officers and seven patrol cars. Four or five officers would be assigned to a "special emphasis unit" that would focus on sudden spikes in crime.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Health insurance for city employees is budgeted at $5.6 million, a $900,000 decrease from what it is expected to cost this year. The budget also indicates that revenue from employees' monthly premiums will increase to $420,000 from a projected $96,000 this year.
FEE COLLECTIONS: Felinton is projecting a $400,000 increase in municipal fee revenue from this year to next because of proposed initiatives to bolster delinquent fee collections. The mayor wants to hire a part-time employee in the finance division who would focus on collections. The city also is expected to hire a local telemarketing company that will call delinquent taxpayers and set up payment arrangements beginning in April.
WELLNESS PROGRAM: Felinton wants to offer a free wellness program to all city employees. The program would include smoking cessation and weight management classes and a training and workout room.
The city has looked into renting space at the old Gym Down Under location on 8th Street behind City Hall. The startup cost of the wellness program would be about $89,000.
PUBLIC WORKS: The budget includes funding for maintenance equipment at Harris Riverfront Park, a street sweeper and the hiring of an assistant public works director who would oversee day-to-day operations.
WHAT'S NOT IN THE BUDGET: Fee increases; pay raises for city employees; funding for street paving.
