City Council members on Tuesday approved a $230 million city budget, though several council members said they would have liked to have seen more funds for workforce development. The worksheet includes $2.5 million for jobs programs.
Several council members said that does not mean that the budget cannot be amended during the fiscal year if good jobs programs come along.
Stacy Richardson, the mayor's chief of staff, agreed that will be the case. She said the administration has an "unwavering" focus on programs aimed at boosting the lot of those living in poverty. She said, "This budget is not a mandate to shut out good programs that come along."
Several in the audience hit the council for not going along with tenets put forth by the Rev. Kevin Muhammad who called for shifting money from public safety to social programs. Rev. Muhammad and an associate strode out after the budget vote was taken.
The budget includes funds for a two percent raise for employees. Those making under $50,000 will receive $1,000. Councilman Ken Smith noted that the average going to those making over $50,000 will be $1,400. He said he might amend the budget to require that all employees get the same raise. He also said he might move to add $916,290 to fill 14 vacant positions in the Fire Department. However, no amendments were made.
The City Council also voted on second reading to approve the new Form-Based Code.
It replaces traditional zoning and is designed to set out the parameters for developers ahead of time for downtown, Southside and Northshore properties.