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Oklahoma City Council receives proposed budget for fiscal year 2015-2016

Post Date:05/06/2015

Oklahoma City Council received the City Manager’s proposed $1.25 billion budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year Tuesday.

The General Fund budget, which pays for most day-to-day City services, is proposed at $426.5 million – a 2.38 percent increase from the amended 2014-2015 fiscal year budget.

The proposed budget includes 26 new Police Department positions. The Police Department now has 1,169 uniform officer positions, an increase of 145 positions since FY 2011. Positions were also proposed in Fire (21), Utilities (10) and Public Works (6), along with eight positions in other departments. Total City positions will increase 1.5 percent to 4,743 with the addition of 71 positions.

“While the economy has slowed, we are still growing and I believe the FY16 budget is a prudent and balanced plan that focuses resources in the areas of greatest need,” City Manager James D. Couch said. “The addition of 46 public safety positions and enhancements in Council’s priority areas will allow us to continue our forward progress in FY16.”

Public safety makes up 63.8 percent of the general fund, followed by public services at 17.9 percent, culture and recreation at 9.6 percent and general government at 8.7 percent.

Sales tax is the largest single source of revenue for the City, making up 58.1 percent of operating revenue. For FY 2016, the City is projecting growth of 1.95 percent in sales tax.

Budget presentations will be made during the May 12, May 26 and June 9 City Council meetings. The budget is scheduled for adoption on June 16, and the City’s new fiscal year begins July 1.

The budget is guided by feedback received from a citizen survey that is conducted by the City annually. Information from the survey also helps City Council set priorities that guide the City. Those priorities are: