Raleigh Public Record (https://theraleighcommons.org/raleighpublicrecord/tag/budget/page/4/)
Some implored. Some stated facts and figures. All asked for more money. The Wake County Commission held a public hearing Monday for the proposed 2011-12 budget, which takes effect July 1. In other business, the board voted for new residency districts for the first time in 30 years.
While Raleigh residents may not feel the effects of cuts in the 2011-12 proposed budget, the same can’t be said for city employees. The $634.9 million budget is a 2.5 percent increase from last year, with no tax increase. But at a cost: Cuts and reductions in city personnel.
City Manager Russell Allen’s proposed budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year is $635 million, a 2.5 percent increase from this year. Although there were no layoffs, the budget proposal eliminates positions. It also features cuts and reductions for the third consecutive year, reducing employee pay increases and benefits, cutting operational expenses, altering the maintenance schedule, delaying equipment purchases and minimizing pay-as-you-go capital investment.
Wake County’s budget will increase next year — but not by much. Many county departments could see cuts next year in a budget proposal presented Monday. The recommended $951.5 million Fiscal Year 2012 budget is only $300,000 more than this year’s spending plan. The proposal maintains the current property tax rate of 53.4 cents.
During the County Commission’s work session Monday, County Manager David Cooke explained that the county puts in 15.76 cents per dollar of property tax into the debt/capital fund. For the third year in a row, the county borrowed from that pool to put more money into the operating fund.
The Wake County School Board approved its $1.2 billion budget Tuesday. They also voted to give teachers a $500 bonus and moved some year-round schools with low enrollment to just one track.
Raleigh officials blame the poor economy for a possible $1.4 million parking shortfall next year. If the city can’t come up with a plan to increase revenue, future years could look just as bleak with a $13 million shortfall predicted for 2015.
The Wake County Board of Education Tuesday continued its review of Superintendent Tony Tata’s proposed budget — now considering the General Assembly’s potential deep cuts to education. Officials say it’s only the beginning; traditionally, the State Senate proposes a stricter budget than the House.
Wake County Public School System Superintendent Tony Tata on Friday announced changes to the student transfer process that he will recommend to the board of education. Tata’s proposals follow his finding last week that board Vice Chair Debra Goldman did not abuse her position when she received a transfer for her daughter to a prestigious middle school.
In a move called a “demotion,” the Wake County School Board Tuesday agreed to move assistant principals to 10-month contracts as part of a budget savings plan. In other business, many people spoke during the public comment session on the state’s civil rights investigation.
