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DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond released his first proposed operating budget of $1.3 billion today for fiscal year 2017. This proposal begins the implementation of Thurmond’s vision for DeKalb County.
“This budget provides a framework for strengthening the government’s fiscal condition, improving public safety, annualizing the fiscal year 2016 pay and compensation increases and funding various infrastructure and capital improvements,” Thurmond said. “By proactively managing our resources, we will be able to maintain a projected $50.1 million fund balance, which equals one month’s operating revenue.”
Prior to the official adoption of the budget, the administration will submit funding proposals to address three chronic issues that are negatively impacting the quality of life in DeKalb: inaccurate water billing; residential and commercial blight; and unemployment.
“We will inform the Board of Commissioners and the public of the results of our internal evaluations and analysis of current and past efforts,” Thurmond said.
Included in the fiscal year 2017 proposed budget is:
- $17.2 million to fully fund the pay raises approved last year.
- $2.1 million to fund 20 additional police positions and 36 more fire rescue personnel and $600,000 for police body cameras.
- $4 million to fund road resurfacing efforts.
- $5.4 million to fund the second phase of the Tobie Grant Intergenerational Center, $400,000 for Ellenwood Park and $100,000 for the Lou Walker Senior Center.
- $1.4 million to start payments on bonds for the new animal services facility.
- $983,000 to contribute towards overdue park maintenance.
The budget must be approved by the Board of Commissioners by the end of February. Public hearings will be held on Feb. 14 and Feb. 28. Additional public hearings and town halls on the budget will be announced.