Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Releases 2021 Proposed Operating Budget
Mayor Andrew
J. Ginther released his proposed 2021
General Fund budget today. Despite significant financial losses
across all sectors because of COVID-19, the City of Columbus was able to
compile a balanced $964 million budget without depleting the Basic City
Services Fund or the Budget Stabilization fund (also known as the Rainy Day
Fund), and without contemplating a single layoff or furlough.
“The City’s
financial position, while challenged, remains strong, and reserves have been
maintained to assure the city can continue to weather a pandemic that shows no
signs of waning,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “The 2021 General Fund budget
reflects my commitment to closing existing gaps, advancing equity and making
positive gains on our community’s highest priorities, including: police reform,
affordable housing and neighborhoods.”
Mayor
Ginther highlighted investments in his priorities:
- Police Reform
- Continued
implementation of recommendations for reform made by the Community Safety
Advisory Commission and Matrix Consulting
- Fully
funding the Comprehensive Neighborhood Safety Strategy – including continued
efforts to reduce the spike in violent crime
- $1
million to establish and staff the Civilian Police Review Board and Office of
the Inspector General for the Division of Police, overwhelmingly approved by
voters through passage of Issue 2 last week
- Funding
for technology to provide a new computer-aided dispatch, records management
system and officer wellness program.
- $825,000
for the expansion of ShotSpotter technology
- New
investments in public health to support law enforcement, including an expansion
of the Mobile Crisis Response program to address addiction, mental illness and
people in crisis.
- Funds
to imbed social workers with Police and Fire to better address behavioral health
and advance public health strategies to address poverty and trauma allowing
officers to focus on violent crime.
- Affordable Housing
- Funding
for a director level position to focus exclusively on the city’s affordable
housing strategy
- Commitment
to encourage development of housing Columbus residents can afford, and leverage
the city’s capital investments to increase the number of affordable housing
units.
- Neighborhoods
- Investments
in Department of Neighborhoods to implement strategies developed by Columbus
residents, and outlined in the One Linden and Envision
- Continued
commitment to our youngest residents with investments to CelebrateOne and Early
Start Columbus
- Funding
for programming through Recreation and Parks
- $3
million in added funding to Columbus Public Health specifically for COVID-19
response
Columbus
City Council will now begin budget deliberations, including public hearings,
and is expected to approve an amended budget in early February 2020. The City
Charter requires the mayor to present a balanced budget to City Council on or
before Nov. 15 annually.