The City of Asheville just released their proposed 2019-20 Annual Operating Budget, which was presented to City Council during their meeting on May 14. The net budget of $190,310,962 takes into account property tax and revenues, employee compensation and healthcare, spending cuts, building permit values, departmental costs, infrastructure needs, sales and occupancy tax revenue + more.
Unpacking the budget can get complicated, so we’re highlighting some of the key things to know about this year’s proposal.
- The budget was submitted by City Manager Debra Campbell to City Council.
- Council will meet in City Hall (in the Council Chambers) on May 28 at 5 p.m., when they will hear public comment on this year’s proposed budget.
- They’ll vote on the budget in their meeting on June 11.
This year, budget planners and the City Manager focused on “aligning resources with community, Council, and staff goals,” particularly the City’s Strategic Operating Plan / Vision 2036, which prioritizes sustainability, affordability + accessibility for residents in a “well-planned, livable community.” Other budget goals are to provide city departments with adequate resources and offer enhanced customer value for citizens.
Here are 15 numbers to know for this year’s proposed budget, from greenway and park funding to street improvements and traffic studies.
The budget by the numbers
- $190,310,962. The net total of all funds in the 2019-20 proposed budget. Last year’s amended budget total? $185, 330,456.
- 2.5%. The proposed pay raise for all City of Asheville employees, to be implemented beginning in mid-July. An additional $150,000 is set aside for the Human Resources Department to study whether compensation is aligned with business needs + the labor market.
- $168,000. The additional funding in this year’s budget (as compared to last year) for the Police Department, which will be used for body-cam and dash-cam equipment + maintenance. Funds will also potentially be devoted to hiring, de-escalation training, emotional wellness resources + more.
- 36%. The percentage of the total budget revenue coming from property taxes, which are the single largest source of revenue for the City.
- 63%. The percentage of the budget made up by personnel costs, including wages, salaries, and benefits. This is an increase of 4.9% from last year’s budget.
- $50,000. The amount allocated to the city’s Fire Department for new station furniture and other equipment.
- $10,819,109. The funds proposed for the Parks & Recreation Department, including community recreation facilities + the WNC Nature Center.
- $150,000. The amount devoted to increasing outreach services for people experiencing homelessness in Asheville.
- $60,000. Funding proposed to offer training for small businesses interested in contracting opportunities with the City and to address barriers small businesses may face (measured in a recent Disparity Study).
- $1,707,678. The total proposed budget for the Department of Planning & Urban Design, including studying sections of Tunnel Rd. and Hendersonville Rd. to make transportation infrastructure improvements and streetscape improvements in the South Slope.
- $78,000. The proposed salary for a Sustainability Coordinator in the Office of Sustainability, who would help coordinate efforts to meet recycling, renewable energy + climate resiliency goals, including reducing the City’s carbon footprint by 80% by 2050.
- 5,000. The linear feet of stormwater infrastructure to be installed in the 2019-20 fiscal year.
- 50%. The proposed reduction of landfill waste produced by the City by 2035. Part of this reduction would be due to a facility-wide composting program planned for the U.S. Cellular Center.
- $9,275,000. Funds proposed for construction of the French Broad West and Town Branch greenways.
- $2,200,000. The City’s proposed contribution to the I-26 Connector project, scheduled to begin this year and headed by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Ready to dive deeper? Click here to read the full proposed budget.
