The office of Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman presented the proposed 2014 General Operating Fund budget to City Council today. The $796.7 million budget allocates two-thirds of its funds to public safety through the city’s Police and Fire Departments. Other monies are designated for neighborhoods and job creation, recreation and parks, trash collection and recycling, health, education and human services.
“It is due to the wisdom of our residents and the ingenuity of our businesses that we are able to maintain strong neighborhood services while making new investments in areas of need,” said Mayor Coleman. “This budget would help us meet the challenges facing our neighborhoods and our children while continuing to focus on the priorities that have made us a national model for job creation and quality of life.”
New items in this budget include:
- An increase in the city’s Rainy Day Fund contribution to the tune of $7.6 million in 2014, bring the total fund up to $64 million by year’s end.
- A commitment to Recreation and Parks to make all rec centers open on a full-time basis (some are currently only open 20 hours per week).
- The addition of eight new code enforcement officers to combat neighborhood blight issues.
- A $7.5 million investment in educational priorities for Columbus children.