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City Budget Approved with Public Safety at the Forefront

Post Date:06/14/2024 9:27 AM

The City of Greenville will invest more in public safety, infrastructure, recreation, and other core services in the operating budget approved by the City Council on Thursday night.

The $175.96 million City spending plan aligns with the goals of the City Council and includes an adopted property tax rate of 39.54 cents. The adopted rate is 2.69 cents higher than a revenue-neutral rate with public safety investments accounting for approximately half of the $2.9 million in additional revenue.

Along with City operating funds, the 2024-25 overall budget of $483.4 million includes $302.2 million for Greenville Utilities Commission, $2.05 million for the Convention & Visitors Authority, and $3.2 million for Sheppard Memorial Library. City Council approved the budget in a 5-1 vote with Council member Les Robinson opposing.

Among the increased investments in public safety are $700,000 in pay adjustments to help with recruitment and retainment, six new Fire/EMS positions, and a new fire marshal position. The budget also funds a 4 percent average wage increase for City employees and an increase in the 401k employer contribution to 3 percent.

The City is increasing infrastructure investment through the pavement management program ($3.05 million total investment) and $100,000 more for sidewalk expansions. There is also $125,000 additional funding for Recreation and Parks operations and $300,000 for Public Works operations.

The new spending plan also includes $250,000 for pedestrian safety projects, $375,000 in local funding to support housing programs, $500,000 for the city's economic development partnership, and $600,000 for beautification efforts.

Other highlights of the approved City operating budget include the following:

  • $4.25 million for capital spending
  • $100,000 for new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) funding
  • $20,000 in funding for job skills training
  • Expansion of the hours of operation for the transit system
  • $200,000 in funding for job creation
  • Establishment of a Sustainability Coordinator position
  • Continuation of the Stormwater Utility Plan approved in 2019
  • $100,000 for the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge
  • $115,000 in funds for the Downtown Greenville Partnership and the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce
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