The Kansas City Council got its first look at a plan for a $1.6 billion budget Thursday afternoon. It is a 4 percent increase from last year's budget.
This year's budget is about supporting what Kansas City is already working with.
"There is no new initiative in this program. It is just a matter of squeezing everything else except public safety down,” said City Manager Troy Schulte.
The Kansas City Fire Department is seeing an $11 million increase to its budget from last year.
The police department is seeing an $8.3 million increase to its budget.
However that money is mostly for supporting wages, salaries, and pension increases. That’s not to say citizens may not see anything new when it comes to protecting the city.
"There will also be an opportunity for the police department to continue to bring in more recruits and that is going to happen and perhaps more technology as well,” said Mayor Sly James.
More money was set aside for the fire department to help budget for over time.
Seventy-six percent of the general fund will go towards public safety.
The budget is separate from the $800 million bond taxpayers will vote on in April. The bond will help with infrastructure like roads, bridges, sidewalks, and flood control.
"We are trying to respond to the needs and to the demands of the citizenry and that is the only way we can do it. We cannot do those things that we are talking about with the GO fund out of the general fund. There is simply not enough money in the general fund to address those needs in any meaningful way,” said James.
One of last year's budget goals was the demolition of all the dangerous buildings in KCMO. That was set up as a two-year plan and it will continue.
"We are continuing that in the next year. We have pretty good progress to report on that because we more than 170 buildings that have been completely torn down already or have been through the process and scheduled to be torn down," said Chris Hernandez, the director of city communications.
However, the increase in public safety spending outpaces revenue growth, which requires cuts in other spending, according to a news release sent out by the city.
“Fulfilling our public safety obligations comes at a cost,” said City Manager Troy Schulte, “The non-public safety portion of the budget will only maintain existing services with no significant increases in any other services or programs.”
The city also wants you to weigh in. The budget is posted at kcmo.com/finance and feedback can be submitted through kcmomentum.org.
Council members will travel to three community locations for public hearings on the budget.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mohair Multipurpose Center
3200 Wayne Ave.Saturday, February 25, 2017
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Woodneath Library
8900 NE Flintlock Rd.Saturday, March 4, 2017
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Southeast Community Center
4201 E. 63rd St.
Also, feedback is welcome at budget deliberations.
City Hall
414 East 12th St, 10th floor committee roomMarch 1, 8, 22
Wednesday's at 8:30 a.m.
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Belinda Post can be reached at belinda.post@kshb.com.
