NE Franklin News

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today released his proposed 2024 General Fund budget – the largest-ever in city history. Through sound fiscal management aimed at mitigating the continued financial fallout of the pandemic – and the growth of high-paying jobs contributing to robust income tax revenues – the city is presenting a balanced budget totaling $1.19 billion for programs, services and priorities benefiting Columbus residents and neighborhoods while further bolstering the city’s Rainy Day Fund.

“The investments we are announcing today will further strengthen Columbus neighborhoods while lifting up our fellow neighbors who’ve been left out and left behind by the Columbus success story,” said Mayor Ginther. “We are in a special moment in our city’s history, and by making the right decisions now, we will ensure a better quality of life for all our residents and build an economic juggernaut for future generations.”

Mayor Ginther highlighted the following investments as part of his budget priorities:

• $753 million for neighborhood safety, including three new Police and Fire recruit classes, which will add up to 150 new officers and 10 lateral transfers to the Division of Police as well as 150 new firefighters.
• $19.2 million to continue expanding affordable housing options across Columbus.
• $21 million for summer, after-school and jobs-readiness programming to keep Columbus youth safe, active and engaged.
• $10 million in Human Services Grants for 112 social services organizations that provide support for vulnerable residents and neighborhoods.
• Expected balance of $101 million in the city’s Rainy Day Fund by the end of 2024.

The City Charter requires the mayor to present a balanced budget to City Council on or before Nov. 15 annually. Columbus City Council will begin budget deliberations, including public hearings, and is expected to approve an amended budget in early 2024.

The full budget can be viewed here.

Original source can be found here.