Mayor Ginther Releases Proposed 2023 General Fund Budget
Mayor Andrew
J. Ginther today released his proposed 2023 General
Fund budget – the largest-ever in city history. Through sound fiscal
management aimed at mitigating the financial fallout of the pandemic and the
revenue impacts of remote work legislation, the city is presenting a balanced
budget totaling $1.14 billion for programs, services and priorities benefiting
Columbus residents and neighborhoods while restoring key reserves and
establishing new goals for the city’s rainy day fund.
“Our economy
is strong, and the city’s financial position is secure,” said Mayor Ginther. “With
this robust, thoughtful and comprehensive budget, we will be better positioned
to deliver on and expand efforts that address our community’s highest
priorities – safety, affordability and vital city services – while preparing
for and guarding against potential economic challenges and uncertainties that
we may face in the future.”
Mayor
Ginther highlighted the following investments as part of his budget priorities:
- Over $2.3 million for summer,
after-school and job-readiness programming to keep Columbus’ youth safe and
engaged.
- $3.1 million for operating expenses
at the Hilltop Early Learning Center.
- Additional staff to support the
Columbus Housing Strategy.
- $10 million in Human Services Grants for
social services organizations that provide support for vulnerable residents and
neighborhoods.
- $6 million to increase recycling to
once a week citywide.
- More than $2.1 million to reduce
illegal dumping by expanding refuse collection to include hot-spot inspections;
opening two convenience centers for residents to properly dispose of
hard-to-recycle items, food and yard waste, hazardous waste and bulk items; and
hiring more drivers for refuse trucks.
- Expected balance of $95.2 million in
the city’s Rainy Day Fund by the end of 2023.
The City
Charter requires the mayor to present a balanced budget to City Council on or before
Nov. 15 annually. Columbus City Council will now begin budget deliberations,
including public hearings, and is expected to approve an amended budget in
early 2023.
The full
budget can be viewed at: http://columbus.gov/2023budget/