SAN BENITO — A proposed $12.7 million general fund budget would boost the city’s parks program.
Last night, city commissioners approved the first reading of the balanced budget which would come with a $1.8 million street maintenance fund.
Commissioners are expected to approve the budget Sept. 19.
As part of the budget, officials are keeping the city’s property tax rate at 72 cents per $100 valuation, where it is projected to generate $4.5 million compared with $4.37 million this year.
The budget — about $200,000 bigger than the current $4.37 million budget — would come with a $4.6 million fund balance, which compares to the city’s current fund balance.
Meanwhile, a $3.8 million cash reserve could fund city operations for 110 days in case of an emergency, city spokeswoman Martha McClain stated.
This year, commissioners planned to place street improvements among their top priorities.
So during the next fiscal year, the budget would earmark an additional $200,000 into street maintenance.
While the proposed budget would pump $1.81 million into street maintenance, this year the city spent about $1.79 million on its streets.
As part of the budget, commissioners approved a $161,478 package to fund 2.5 percent employee raises.
During the upcoming fiscal year, the budget would bolster the city’s parks program.
While the city earmarked $97,131 for its park program this year, the new budget would pump an additional $54,272 into services, according to calculations based on McClain’s figures.
The new program calls for expanded services for youths and adults.
Youth services include flag football, soccer, cheer and dance while the budget would expand adult services to include kickball and soccer.
