Mayor Battle Introduces FY 2019 Budget to City Council

Published on September 13, 2018

Mayor Tommy Battle presented the City’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2019 to City Council at the Sept. 13, regularly scheduled meeting.

The Mayor proposed a balanced $254.4 million budget, which includes $209.7 million in general fund operations and $144.5 million in capital projects.

The general fund, or operating budget, represents a modest $12.2 million increase over 2018 and provides level funding for most municipal departments and outside agencies. About 72 percent of the general fund goes toward personnel expenses.

“We continue to see strong growth in jobs and, therefore, steady growth in our population.  This budget sustains our annual investments in infrastructure and expanding services needed to stay ahead of the growth in our community,” said Mayor Battle. “The fiscal responsibility with which our administration and the City Council have approached the management of our grow is reflected in our dual triple-A credit ratings.”

The Mayor is asking Council to continue prudent capital expenditures in the City’s infrastructure and public facilities including over $41 million in road construction and maintenance, approximately $27 million in parks and recreational facilities, and $7.8 million and public safety facilities and equipment. Additionally, this budget sustains the steady growth in the City’s discretionary contribution to local funding of Huntsville City Schools, topping $24 million for the first time.

Late in FY18 the City Council added 10 police officer positions to be filled during FY19, this budget adds critical positions to the Public Works Department needed for increased Sanitation services and road maintenance.

Highlights of the FY19 Budget

$41 million for road construction, repaving, and maintenance

$27 million for public park and recreation projects

$25 million for City Hall construction

$24.5 million for Huntsville City Schools

$24.7 million for outside agency special appropriations

1% Cost of Living increase for City employees

The proposed FY19 budget may be viewed on the  City of Huntsville Finance and Budget webpage.

Following tonight’s introduction, Council members will hold a work session on Sept. 19, at 5 p.m. to consider the budget for final approval at their next regularly scheduled meeting, Sept. 27, in time for the Oct. 1 start of the 2019 fiscal year.