Raleigh City Council unanimously approves budget; no cuts in funding for police

The Raleigh City Council unanimously approved its $1.01 billion budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year and $1.75 billion total for its Five-year Capital Improvement Program.

With funds dwindling because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the total operating budget decreased by 2.2 percent from last year for a total of $507.7 million.

The budget includes $111 million for the Raleigh Police Department, which is essentially level funding from the year before, and the meeting included no talk of cutting funds for the police. There was a request for an additional $2.8 million for RPD, but it was not approved or included in the budget.

City Councilman Patrick Buffkin voted in favor of the proposed budget but also wanted an increase in funding for police. “I believe we have missed an opportunity in not approving the manager’s alternative recommendation related to public safety. I think it would improve policing by hiring social workers and homeless support specialists, along with animal control units. All three are big need areas, and it would improve safety in the community," Buffkin said.

The property tax rate remained revenue neutral at 35.52 cents per $100 valuation.

There is also a $2 increase in monthly Solid Waste fees.

City employees will receive a two percent increase in pay if the City meets or exceeds its financial targets.

Budgets cuts included the cancellation of the Fourth of July fireworks display, non-essential maintenance, consulting services and software upgrades. The City also is implementing a hiring freeze while its travel and training budget has been cut 25 percent from last year.

The fiscal year begins on July 1.