Overview
- Council pared an initial 30% proposal to a 20% increase to address an almost $20 million shortfall.
- The package passed Sunday with two no votes, including Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith.
- The measure now heads to the mayor, and sponsor Barb Warwick said council has the votes to withstand a veto.
- The budget includes targeted adjustments: the Stop the Violence fund is reduced but covered by carryover for 2026 with a planned return to $10 million in 2027, and the police mounted unit was restored.
- Hours of public testimony preceded the vote as residents cited recent county and school tax hikes and pressed for larger contributions from major nonprofits.