KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There will be a few more dollars in the Kansas City, Missouri, budget this year – but officials say that some major challenges still remain.
According to the FY 2013-14 budget recommendation submitted by City Manager Troy Schulte to Mayor Sly James on Tuesday, there would be increased spending on street resurfacing, youth activities and communication with citizens. The $1.38 billion budget marks an increase of $67 million over the current budget – thanks mostly to a new half-cent sales tax for parks and some growth in the city’s revenue.
Schulte says that despite the increase in revenue, salary and pension obligations still greater than the increase in revenue.
“This budget still has structural issues and we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to resolve our long-term liabilities so that City services can consistently and adequately be provided
at a reasonable cost to taxpayers,” wrote Schulte.
The budget also calls for a reduction in overtime for the Kansas City Fire Department for a savings of $3.5 million and privatizing the security force at the muncipal court, saving $250,000.
The budget recommendation can be found online here.
