What’s in the City of Greenville’s upcoming budget? City Council reviewed a draft during a workshop on Monday, April 14.
“While this will be a lean budget year, every dollar is purposefully allocated to bolster our emergency services, enhance public safety, and promote the overall well-being of our residents,” said City Manager Shannon Lavrin.
Lavrin explained the city is taking a conservative approach this year due to economic uncertainty, and no tax or business license increases are proposed for the fiscal year (starting July 1).
Here are a few other highlights:
- Public Safety: A big piece of the pie will go to Greenville Police and Fire Departments for more staff + equipment, and replacing the outdated Stone Avenue fire station with a new $8.8 million station on Park Avenue.
- Affordable Housing: A $2.5 million investment in the Greenville Housing Fund is proposed in the budget, along with $500,000 for homelessness initiatives. Additional funds will be set aside for the creation of workforce housing.
- Recreation: The budget includes funding for trail expansions, open space acquisition, zoo improvements, and the new wheel park and pump track.
- Roads: The city is planning investments in traffic calming, intersection upgrades, street lighting, pedestrian safety, and growing its new Traffic Management Center.
- Economic Development: The city wants to launch a Microenterprise Grant program to support small businesses.
A second budget workshop is set for Monday, April 28, with a public hearing and first reading on Monday, May 12. A final vote is scheduled for Monday, May 19.
