 As Metro Council, we are charged with coming together to approve a budget that will improve and strengthen our community. Thankfully the economy is rebounding, so money was available to invest in the many needs of our community. The budget process was lengthy and thorough, yet the end product was one I was proud to support.
Highlights of the Metro Council’s FY22 Budget Amendment
Reduced New Debt: New debt used to support the FY22 Budget was reduced by at least $10 million.
Public Safety Pay: Additional pay and resources for Police as well as other Public Safety Departments were added to the budget to assist in recruitment and retention.
Community Improvements: Over $55 million in paving and sidewalk repairs, and funds to expand efforts like the Clean Collaborative, which is helping revitalize city roadways and neighborhoods, along with graffiti removal and the upkeep of vacant lots.
Community Services: Funding for Volunteers of America for Unity House and Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Inc. for the Another Way Program to provide homeless work opportunities and connections to necessary services.
Middletown and Fern Creek Libraries: The FY22 Budget supports the reopening of the Middletown Branch (Late summer/fall 2021), and allocated $1 million towards Phase 1 of the planning and development of a new Fern Creek Library complex.
Oversight: Additional funds have been allocated toward the hiring of staff to uphold our codes and regulations related to property violations, as well as additional resources for efforts to reduce unsightly graffiti and trash throughout the city.
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