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Syracuse lawmakers are preparing to make significant cuts to Mayor Ben Walsh's budget proposal, aiming to reduce the $348.4 million fiscal plan by approximately $16 million. The Common Council's decision comes as they seek to avoid a proposed 2% property tax rate increase and reduce reliance on reserve funds. The council's proposed amendments would affect multiple city departments, with most seeing a 7% reduction in funding. The police and fire departments would experience a 5% cut, amounting to $3.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively. No currently occupied city jobs are expected to be eliminated.
The council's adjustments also include eliminating a proposed water rate increase, which would have cost the average residential customer about $5 annually. According to Syracuse.com, the budget amendments aim to address structural deficits and respond to national economic uncertainties. The council's president pro tempore, Pat Hogan, emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility amid these challenges.
The proposed cuts come at a time when the city is dealing with stagnant revenue growth and the end of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Mayor Walsh's budget initially included a 2% property tax rate increase to maintain healthy reserves and ensure continued city services. The Common Council is set to finalize the budget today (May 8), and Mayor Walsh will have 30 days to consider vetoing the amendments. If he chooses to veto, the council would need a two-thirds majority to override.