City Of West Palm Beach Approves Balanced, Tentative Budget On First Reading

From the City of West Palm Beach:

September 11, 2020

At a special meeting of the City Commission on September 10, 2020, Commissioners approved Resolution No 262-20(F) adopting the tentative FY 2020/21 budget at the first public hearing. Mayor Keith A. James and his administration had presented a balanced $702 million All Funds budget, which included a balanced $194 million General Funds budget with no layoffs of full-time employees, at the urging of Commissioners. A tentative balanced budget that includes no layoffs of full-time employees and no increase in fees is significant for the City, because it is facing an unexpected, drastic $10 million shortfall due, in large part, to the economic fallout from COVID-19. Additionally, Commissioners approved the tentative FY21 millage rate for operating and for debt service of 8.3465, which—if given final approval—would mean there would be no tax increase imposed by the City. This, too, is significant given the current economic climate.

“The tentative balanced budget prioritizes essential services for our residents and neighborhoods with no layoffs of full-time employees and no increase to the millage or to fees,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to our Commissioners for their input which helped to shape the budget. The Commissioners were quite clear about their priorities, which we were able to accommodate with this tentative budget. Subject to the Commissioners’ approval, this budget would maintain the overall quality of life for residents, help make our city even safer, and promote continued economic development within our city.”

Some minor adjustments will be made before the final budget adoption hearing. A second and final public hearing to adopt the final FY21 budget and millage rate is scheduled for September 24, 2020 at 5:01 p.m.

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.