Mayor Dan Horrigan Presents Lean, Balanced 2019 Operating Budget
Operating expenses and personnel levels expected to remain stable, with focus on core city services
City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of Ellen Lander Nischt, Press Secretary
Published: 03-11-2019
Akron, Ohio, March 11, 2019 – Mayor Dan Horrigan has presented Akron City Council with his budget plan for 2019, which features a smaller general fund budget, stable staffing levels, and a prediction for limited growth in income tax revenue.
“As we continue to pursue aggressive strategies that will set the stage for inclusive economic growth and neighborhood revitalization in Akron, I am proud to introduce a responsible strategy for spending in 2019,” Mayor Horrigan said of the plan. “Each year, my goal is to develop a budget that will support our City services—including public safety, road maintenance, water/sewer utilities, parks and recreation, housing enforcement, and many others—while keeping costs in line. By increasing operational efficiency and productivity, utilizing smart community partnerships, and maintaining conservative staffing levels, we have achieved that goal and developed a lean, balanced budget for the coming year.”
As in previous years, the 2019 budgeting process required the City of Akron to address ongoing financial constraints. Unrelenting funding cuts from the state have forced the City to make difficult decisions about where to prioritize spending. Fortunately, funds from the new ¼% income tax continue to support safe staffing levels in police and fire, in addition to capital investments in public safety and streets.
“Until the state restores fair tax sharing with local governments, we will continue to seek creative ways to meet residents’ needs and stretch taxpayer dollars even further,” Mayor Horrigan continued. The City continues to build partnerships with local agencies and non-profits and pursue grant funding whenever possible. “From providing free financial counseling at the Kenmore Financial Empowerment Center and advancing health equity through Full Term First Birthday, to offering treatment to opiate overdose victims through Quick Response Teams—we are strengthening Akron neighborhoods and families with the help of generous community partners.”
“Finally, I want to personally thank all of our City workers as they continue to do more with less,” Mayor Horrigan concluded. “Your commitment to efficiency, innovation and quality are what enable us to provide Akron residents with quality services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Budget hearings will take place before City Council this week, and a vote on the budget is expected in the next two weeks.
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For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary
E-mail: [email protected]
