Published on May 08, 2023
Statement by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh:
“The fiscal year 2023-24 budget approved by the Common Council today supports fiscal sustainability and a growing Syracuse. I commend the Council for its thorough review, including more than 30 public meetings with our city department leadership, prior to adopting the final budget.
With this budget, we will enhance parks, public works, police, fire, schools and neighborhood quality of life. This includes the citywide rollout of trash carts and semi automated pick up; the new police contract with a better schedule for public safety; new classes for firefighters and police officers, and a restructured Department of Neighborhood and Business Development with enhanced planning and permitting capacity to administer new zoning code and accommodate increased development and growth.
The budget reduces reliance on pandemic relief and makes responsible use of our fund balance. It does include a two percent increase in the property tax rate — only the second increase since I have been mayor. We take this action only because we must ensure effective service delivery and fiscal sustainability for city government. Over the next seven weeks, we will work to close the current fiscal year and prepare for the implementation of the new budget beginning July 1.”
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