Raleigh city manager released proposed budget

Raleigh City Manager Russell Allen on Monday submitted a $678.9 million proposed budget for the 2013 fiscal year to the City Council Monday - a 2.35 percent increase over the current budget year.

Posted 7:07 p.m. May 14, 2012 — Updated 7:07 p.m. May 14, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh City Manager Russell Allen on Monday submitted a $678.9 million proposed budget for the 2013 fiscal year to the City Council Monday – a 2.35 percent increase over the current budget year.

Among the highlights of the proposed spending plan released Monday is a $.91 cent increase in the property tax rate that was approved as part of a bond referendum in the fall. Those revenues will go to pay debt service for transportation and affordable housing projects.

The budget also calls for a 15 percent increase in sewer rates as well as a proposed sewer and water administrative fee.

About $10.4 million is allocated for equipment purchases to provide essential city services, such as garbage. Another $2.9 million is for a 2 percent merit-based pay increase for full-time employees.

About a dozen positions would be cut, saving approximately $440,000, and 32 positions would be created. More details of the proposed budget are posted on the city's website.

The city manager is also proposing a $167 million capital improvement program budget to pay for capital needs that have been put off over the past three decades.

"Our steady growth has outpaced our ability to build and replace critical infrastructure at the same rate as population increases and the city expands its service area," Allen said. "The proposed five-year capital improvement plan budget for fiscal year 2013 includes strategies that begin addressing deferred maintenance and development of new facilities to serve our growing city."

A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 7 in the council chamber of the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex at 222 W. Hargett St. The budget must be adopted no later than July 1.

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