The Springfield Mayor Dom Sarno is out with a proposed 729 million dollar budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st.
The budget according to the mayor is “an austeritiy budget.”
The mayor’s budget, which can be cut by the city council but not increased is up just under 37 million dollars. The School Department budget is up by 33 million dollars.
Mayor Sarno calls these “unprecedented and surreal times.” As part of the budget proposal there will be no layoffs or furloughs.
There will be no cuts in services.
And, the mayor says that the city will not have to dip into its “rainy day account.”
The budget, according to city officials will maintain core serves with an eye on fiscal sustainability.
The budget includes money for Sidewalk Repair programs in the city. Single Stream recycling and yard waste pickup will continue.
The Mayor says the Police Department will see funding for 40 new recruits in the police academy.
19 new police cruisers will be purchased.
And, it includes some 800 thousand dollars for lease of new firearms training facility. The fire department as part of the budget will also see new recruits.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak, WHYN News)