Rochester Unveils Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Strategic Insights -

Mayor Malik D. Evans has presented a proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 operating budget for the City of Rochester, New York. The budget aims to create a safe, equitable, and prosperous city, with a focus on inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for all residents. The proposed budget calls for total spending of approximately $675 million, a 4.7 percent increase over the current year's budget, which is well under the rate of inflation for the period. The budget includes significant investments in infrastructure, public safety, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed budget includes a 4.7 percent increase in spending, totaling approximately $675 million, which is well under the rate of inflation for the period.
  • The budget includes no increases to the tax levy or service fees for refuse, recycling, and public works.
  • The City's allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act funds significant investments in the budget.
  • The budget calls for an increase of less than $3 a month to the City water rate to fund investment in Rochester's aging water infrastructure.
  • The creation of a Director of Emergency Management position will strengthen coordination among City departments during emergency responses.
  • The addition of three Code Enforcement Inspectors will step up enforcement of litter, trash, and debris on private property.
  • The budget expands the Summer of Opportunity Program and the Summer Youth Enrichment Program to support prevention and intervention in Public Safety.
  • The budget includes additional investments in the Rochester Police Department's digital-evidence and crime-analysis technology.
  • The proposed budget emphasizes Economic Empowerment, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice through initiatives such as the Guaranteed Basic Income Program and continued investments in programs like Buy the Block and Home-Repair Grants.

Statistics:

  • The proposed budget totals approximately $675 million, a 4.7 percent increase over the current year's budget.
  • The budget includes significant investments funded through the City's allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act.
  • The increase of less than $3 a month to the City water rate will fund much-needed investment in Rochester's aging water infrastructure.
  • The budget creates three new positions, including a Director of Emergency Management and three Code Enforcement Inspectors.
  • The expansion of the Summer of Opportunity Program and the Summer Youth Enrichment Program will support prevention and intervention in Public Safety.

Sources:

Rochester City of New York Press Release.