The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to approve the City Manager’s proposed $1.55 billion budget for fiscal year 2020, which begins July 1.
The General Fund budget, which pays for most day-to-day City services, is $482 million, a 4.4 percent increase from the current fiscal year’s amended budget. The primary factor for the increase is a significant rise in use tax revenue collections from online retail sales and oilfield services this fiscal year, and projected modest underlying growth in sales and use tax revenue next year.
The budget includes a net increase of 65 authorized City staff positions, up by 1.4 percent to a total of 4,869 employees. That’s about 7.3 employees per 1,000 residents, which is the average over the last 10 fiscal years.
“It’s going to be an exciting year in several ways,” said City Manager Craig Freeman. “The City will continue to deliver on the commitments to our residents to improve transportation options and the quality of our roads, enhance public safety, and put bold new projects like MAPS 3’s Scissortail Park, the new MAPS 3 Convention Center and the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum into operation. We have strong momentum in Oklahoma City and we want to continue that into the future.”
Public safety makes up 64 percent of the General Fund, followed by public services at 18 percent, culture and recreation at 10 percent and general government at 8 percent.
Sales tax is the largest single source of revenue for the City, making up 54 percent of General Fund revenue. For FY 2020, the City is projecting sales tax growth of 2 percent.
The City Manager introduced the budget at the April 30 Council meeting, with two more budget review sessions on May 14 and May 28.
The budget is guided by feedback received from an annual resident survey. 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.
- Encourage a robust local economy.
- Uphold high standards for all City services.
- Continue to pursue social and criminal justice reforms.
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Media Contact
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550 / (405) 863-2831
kristy.yager@okc.gov
