Spokane: Mayor Brown Introduces Mid-Biennium Budget Modification To Close Deficit While Maintaining Community Priorities
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~ Spokane, WA- On Monday, Mayor Lisa Brown presented her mid-biennium budget modification proposal to address the projected $13 million deficit for the City of Spokane. The proposal aims to maintain the community's top priorities while also setting the city on a path towards long-term fiscal health.

According to Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager for Spokane City, the budget challenges have been exacerbated by a slowing national economy, weakened consumer confidence, and sales tax not keeping up with historical trends. These factors, along with federal contract uncertainty, collective bargaining constraints, inflation, and rising jail costs have contributed to the current deficit.

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To strengthen the city's financial foundation, Mayor Brown's proposal includes measures such as prioritizing public safety infrastructure and staff and restructuring debt. However, it also acknowledges that personnel costs make up 90% of the city's General Fund budget and that layoffs will be necessary to close the deficit. Fortunately, one-third of the affected positions are currently vacant.

In a statement released by Mayor Brown, she emphasized that these decisions were not easy but necessary to ensure the city's long-term strength. She also highlighted that this budget modification proposal reflects a disciplined and transparent approach towards stabilizing Spokane's finances.

The mayor's proposed budget can be found online for public viewing. With this proposal in place, Spokane is taking proactive steps towards addressing its financial challenges and securing a stable future for its residents and essential services.

Filed Under: Government, City
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