The Oklahoma City Council on Tuesday received the City Manager’s proposed $1.38 billion budget for fiscal year 2018, which begins July 1.
The General Fund budget, which pays for most day-to-day City services, is proposed at $404.5 million – a 0.2 percent decrease from the current fiscal year’s amended budget. The decrease is primarily due to the continued decline in sales tax revenue.
The proposed budget includes a net decrease of 16 authorized City staff positions, a decline of 0.3 percent to a total of 4,644 employees. It’s the second straight year of staff reductions.
“With this proposed budget we have tried to balance the fiscal realities of a smaller budget with the need to meet growth in our population and higher expectations from residents,” City Manager Jim Couch said. “We are working every day to meet the expectations of our residents and businesses to make Oklahoma City a great place to live, work and play.”
Public safety makes up 64.6 percent of the general fund, followed by public services at 17.3 percent, culture and recreation at 9.6 percent and general government at 8.5 percent.
Sales tax is the largest single source of revenue for the City, making up 57.5 percent of operating revenue. For FY 2018, the City is projecting sales tax growth of 2.5 percent.
Budget presentations will be made during the May 9, May 23 and June 6 City Council meetings. Residents will have the opportunity to address the Council about the budget during those meetings and on June 13, when the budget is scheduled for adoption. The City’s new fiscal year begins July 1.
The budget is guided by feedback received from a resident survey conducted by the City annually. Information from the survey also helps the City Council set priorities. Those priorities are:
- Promote safe, secure and thriving neighborhoods.
- Develop a transportation system that works for all residents.
- Maintain strong financial management.
- Enhance recreational opportunities and community wellness.
- Engage a robust local economy.
- Uphold high standards for all City services.
- Continue to pursue social and criminal justice initiatives.
You can review the proposed budget book online. You can also download and watch the presentation from Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The budget sessions are aired live on City Channel 20 and the City’s YouTube channel, where the videos are then posted for viewing.
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Media Contact
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550 / (405) 863-2831
kristy.yager@okc.gov
