Higher administrative salaries, more revenue from sales tax collections and reducing debt are key features of the proposed 2016-2017 city budget presented Tuesday night to the Chico City Council.
City Manager Frank Fields introduced the new budget that will continue to close the gap of the city’s debt more than the $2 million-$3 million from last year and increase revenue by nearly 3 percent. The money is expected to come from higher sales tax.
“It’s really our bread and butter—sales tax,” Fields said.
Additionally, police, city clerk, attorney and manager’s departments will see increases in salaries and benefits. Conversely, the fire department will see decreases.
In the next fiscal year, the city will still be transferring money from its general fund to pay for private projects. $1.5 million will be transferred the Airport Fund and the Private Development Fund.
Fields told the council he hopes these will be self-sufficient at some point and the general fund can be left to city projects and contributing to the deficit.
City Council will hear more about this budget at the May 3 meeting.
City manager Frank Fields presents the new budget to the Chico City Council. 