Syracuse common councilors Monday approved a budget for the coming fiscal year that includes what they say is a stronger focus on housing and governmental efficiency. The council unanimously approved about 30 amendments that reallocated funding within the $341 million budget, but otherwise maintains the same level of spending. Finance Committee Chair Corey Williams says they directed more money toward Home Headquarters, The Greater Syracuse Land Bank, and The Syracuse Housing Trust Fund.
“When we looked at some of the different proposals that the mayors administration was offering, we thought that we as a Council could come out and make a stronger statement in in favor of moving the needle on housing in our city," Williams said.
Mayor Ben Walsh didn't disagree with the notion, but took issue with how councilors want to fund it.
“This administration has a long track record of supporting those organizations and initiatives, so certainly not opposed to additional funding," Walsh said. “In order to make that funding available, cuts were proposed and we wouldn't have had them in the budget if we didn't think that those positions and those programs were important. So, that's what we have to balance right now.”
Walsh says he’ll carefully review all of the council’s amendments before deciding whether to accept or veto them. Though, he acknowledges that the council’s unanimous approval means they have a veto-proof majority. The council maintained the mayor’s proposed two percent property tax increase, as well as nominal water and sewer rate hikes. The budget takes effect July first.
