BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Burlington City Council is expected to approve a new budget on Monday evening which closes a $14.2 million shortfall.
Addressing budget woes has underscored much of Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s first three months in office.
Increasing tax revenue, using one-time funds and budget reductions like not filling 18 vacant positions were implemented to close the gap.
The city also continued to invest in community safety including adding more to police and fire operating budgets while avoiding layoffs in the city.
“I’m proud because it is a budget that begins an important multiyear process of right-sizing our city government, so we can sustain city services in an affordable and strategic way. It raises revenue in ways that keep affordability in mind. It is balanced,” said Mulvaney-Stanak, P-Burlington.
The mayor’s administration as well as both Progressive and Democratic caucuses of the City Council have committed to begin long- and short-term budget planning for the next several years in August. Mulvaney-Stanak hopes that will increase the city’s affordability and avoid issues uncovered this year.