| Mayor Releases 2012 Budget Proposal |
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Spokane Mayor Mary Verner released her proposed 2012 city budget at the City Council Meeting Monday night, touting the preservation of critical services and no tax increases asked of the voters. The budget closes a shortfall of $8 million in the General Fund, and saves 13 police officer positions. The total proposed budget is $621.9 million, with $164.3 million coming from the General Fund. The General Fund is up 3.5 percent from the 2011 budget. The mayor says about 25 percent of the increase is for public safety services in the West Plains annexation area. The annexation of the area on the West Plains will bring 18 new police and fire positions, as well as 4.5 specialized positions. Three positions will be converted to permanent from temporary. The General Fund does have some reductions, however, including $1.7 million from department operating funds, $900,000 savings in jail costs, $155,000 arts & youth savings, and $70,000 weights and measures savings. The City Council will hold public hearings each Monday in November, with adoption possibly coming before the end of the year. More Information:
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Budget asks for no tax increases from voters, and annexation of West Plains area will help, Mayor says.