Politics & Government

Mayor Presents $831 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2014

The budget is for fiscal year 2014.

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Camille C. Spencer, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

A fiscal year 2014 budget of $831 million was presented by Mayor Bob Buckhorn to Tampa City Council this morning.

No employees will be fired, according to Buckhorn, and city services will not be cut. The budget increase of $26.5 million is due to increases in personnel, fleet, fuel costs and Community Redevelopment Area projects being reassigned to fiscal year 2014, according to a news release.

"This year’s budget reflects our effort to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, support continued economic growth, and move our city forward,” said Buckhorn in a news release.  "Tampa is well positioned as the economy recovers because we have streamlined city government and made prudent and conservative financial decisions. Our best days are ahead of us.” 

The budget proposal includes the following capital improvement projects valued at $103 million:

  • Reshaping Perry Harvey, Julian B. Lane and Water Works parks
  • Investing in wastewater and stormwater projects, including around Drew Park and Donut Pond
  • Improving sidewalks, adding street lighting and building complete streets
A $19 million shortfall would be eliminated by increase property tax revenue due to increasing property values, a reduction in departmental spending and a fund transfer from reserves, the news release said.

Two public hearings on the budget will be held on Aug. 22 and Sept. 9.

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