Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration unveiled a preview of its proposed $565 million budget this week, a plan that calls for adding a ninth municipal courtroom, spending millions more on public safety and opening additional youth recreation centers.
The budget has grown by nearly $21 million, with some $4.2 million required to fund rising healthcare costs due to the Affordable Healthcare Act. Pension costs also increased by about $8.5 million, officials said.
Reed’s proposal aims to commit an additional $7.6 million over last year to the Atlanta Police Department — for a total of $175.6 million — to maintain a police force of 2,000 officers. Police and fire workers account for 62 percent of the city’s annual budget.
Atlanta Chief Financial Officer Jim Beard said the city anticipates $7.5 million in additional revenue from streamlined municipal court operations, including new fees, higher staffing and another courtroom.
The proposed budget will now be vetted and potentially modified by the Atlanta City Council, which must approve a final version before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
The city’s budgeting process comes amid efforts to find up to $17 million to fund an infrastructure bond worth $250 million. That bond, if approved by voters next year, will help address some of the city’s $1.1 billion infrastructure backlog. Beard said this week the city anticipates spending $16.5 million on annual bond debt service.
A commission geared toward suggesting ways to save to fund the bond is expected to issue a final report by June.
Highlights of Reed’s proposal:
- Maintain 2,000 Atlanta Police Department officers and Atlanta Fire & Rescue staffing levels.
- Enhance court operations for an anticipated $7.5 million in additional revenue.
- Retire the city's Eastside tax allocation district for a $5 million savings.
- Add $1.7 million to the Department of Public Works for expanded lighting across the city.
- Roll back the city's millage rate from 10.05 to an estimated 9.82 percent.
- Add two Centers of Hope facilities and program elements at several more centers.
- Launch the city's 311 system, geared toward providing residents a one-stop shop for City of Atlanta questions.
About the Author
