| June 25, 2020
Budget Maintains Funding for Police, Improves Accountability, Supports Disadvantaged Populations and Invests in Paving
Better than expected revenues, flexibility granted by the Federal Government to use COVID recovery funds, and cuts made during last year’s budget allowed the Louisville Metro Council to finalize a budget that meets the needs of our community while not taking funding from Metro’s “rainy day” fund.
This budget started in April, as a purported “continuation budget” that included some new programs and questionable spending. Two months and over 40 hours of hearings resulted in a budget that addresses many of our community’s needs while also continues our progress fixing streets, parks and libraries without relying on new taxes.
Some highlights include:
- No Cut to the LMPD Budget: The funding allocated will allow for the continued operating of LMPD at its current staffing levels while also seeking a new agreement between Louisville Metro and Churchill Downs to adequately reimburse the city for costs associated with police at Thurby, the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.
- Funding the continued use of LMPD’s ShotSpotter, additional police body cameras as well as new batteries for body cameras. The Metro Council also designated that funding go towards additional police training.
- Funding has been allocated to support a civilian review board as well as more than $1 million towards youth programs.
- Increasing the paving budget proposed by the Mayor from $5 million to $20 million. This will mark the sixth consecutive budget in which the Metro Council has funded road improvements at or above $15 million and is part of a 10-year plan to have all Metro roads rated as being in good condition.
- Allocating $21.2 million in CARES Act (Federal Funds) towards assisting programs meant to reduce evictions and assist with rent payments.
- Allocating $21.2 million from the CARES Act (Federal Funds) to Small Business assistance.
- Keeping the Belle of Louisville afloat through an additional $528,000 for operating expenses and $700,000 for a required dry-dock inspection.
- Investing $500,000 towards the opening of a new Library in Middletown.
- Allocating COVID funds towards the hiring of staff to conduct needed testing, contact tracing and other matters.
- Dedicating an additional $5 million to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to bring the total FY21 investment to $10 million. The additional funds will be focused on improving homeownership.
Funding was also added to assist with home repair as well as the development of businesses in economically disadvantaged areas of Louisville Metro.
Despite much of the division portrayed on television, I am proud to say that this year’s budget process was probably one of the most cooperative and focused since joining the Council. The near unanimous passage of this budget, as well as our cumulative support for addressing infrastructure and economic opportunity, establishes long-term plans that, if followed, will lead to community-wide improvements.
Thank you for your continued interest in the budget and our hearings. If you have questions about the FY21 budget or anything else in Metro Government, please know that I am more than happy to listen.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Parker
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