The ink has dried on the proposed changes to Richmond's budget for next year.
The City Council tonight introduced amendments to support a $630.0 million operating plan for fiscal 2009-10. If approved May 26, the budget would be slightly more than the $629.6 million plan recommended by Mayor Dwight C. Jones.
Both versions of the budget are based on the current real-estate tax rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. Neither includes raises for city employees.
Council members worked closely with the Jones administration as amendments to his plan were considered. The changes adjust allocations for various community groups, projects and departments, and they put on hold a proposed service fee on nonprofit organizations.
"We worked pretty closely with the mayor," Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson said. "I would be absolutely shocked if there was anything that he'd veto."
The council's increases include $200,000 for a second leaf collection in the fall; $355,000 for salary supplements for the office of the commonwealth's attorney; $125,000 for a study of the proposed ballpark, slavery museum and bus transfer center for Shockoe Bottom; $125,121 for summer youth employment; and $70,000 for Maymont Park.
The decreases include $135,000 for media-related operating costs and $330,000 for police operating costs.
Councilman E. Martin Jewell said he's frustrated that the council didn't do more to support parks and recreation. Jones' proposed budget calls for eliminating 29 vacant full-time positions, and Jewell said most are assigned to recreation programs.
"At a time when we're approaching summer, we're cutting . . . positions. Give me a break," he said.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.
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