COLUMBUS, Ohio — More than $750 million would go to neighborhood safety in the proposed 2024 general fund budget announced by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther on Thursday.
According to a press release, the $1.19 billion budget also focuses on affordable housing and core city services such as weekly recycling, hot-spot inspections for illegal dumping and convenience centers for hard-to-recycle items.
"At the heart of my proposed budget is equity, funding departments and programs that lift up our fellow neighbors who have been left out and left behind by the Columbus success story," Ginther said in a release.
The $753 million for neighborhood safety would fund three new police and fire recruit classes, which will add up to 150 new officers and 10 lateral transfers to the Columbus Division of Police as well as 150 new firefighters.
The budget also includes:
- $19.2 million to continue expanding affordable housing options across Columbus.
- $21 million for summer, after-school and jobs-readiness programming to keep Columbus youth safe, active and engaged.
- $10 million in Human Services Grants for 112 social services organizations that provide support for vulnerable residents and neighborhoods.
- Expected balance of $101 million in the city’s Rainy Day Fund by the end of 2024.
Columbus City Council will begin deliberations on the budget, which will include public hearings. An amended budget is expected to be approved by early 2024.
A full copy of the budget can be read here.
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