Fairfield Reporter

Mayor Ginther Releases Proposed 2023 General Fund Budget

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today released his proposed 2023 General Fund budget – the largest-ever in city history. Through sound fiscal management aimed at mitigating the financial fallout of the pandemic and the revenue impacts of remote work legislation, the city is presenting a balanced budget totaling $1.14 billion for programs, services and priorities benefiting Columbus residents and neighborhoods while restoring key reserves and establishing new goals for the city’s rainy day fund.

“Our economy is strong, and the city’s financial position is secure,” said Mayor Ginther. “With this robust, thoughtful and comprehensive budget, we will be better positioned to deliver on and expand efforts that address our community’s highest priorities – safety, affordability and vital city services – while preparing for and guarding against potential economic challenges and uncertainties that we may face in the future.”

Mayor Ginther highlighted the following investments as part of his budget priorities:

• Over $2.3 million for summer, after-school and job-readiness programming to keep Columbus’ youth safe and engaged.
• $3.1 million for operating expenses at the Hilltop Early Learning Center.
• Additional staff to support the Columbus Housing Strategy.
• $10 million in Human Services Grants for social services organizations that provide support for vulnerable residents and neighborhoods.
• $6 million to increase recycling to once a week citywide.
• More than $2.1 million to reduce illegal dumping by expanding refuse collection to include hot-spot inspections; opening two convenience centers for residents to properly dispose of hard-to-recycle items, food and yard waste, hazardous waste and bulk items; and hiring more drivers for refuse trucks.
• Expected balance of $95.2 million in the city’s Rainy Day Fund by the end of 2023.

The City Charter requires the mayor to present a balanced budget to City Council on or before Nov. 15 annually. Columbus City Council will now begin budget deliberations, including public hearings, and is expected to approve an amended budget in early 2023. 

The full budget can be viewed at: http://columbus.gov/2023budget/

Original source can be found here.