Mayor Becker Delivers Budget Proposal Aimed at Building City’s Momentum, High Level of Services
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – May 5, 2015 (Office of the Mayor) – Mayor Ralph Becker delivered his 2016 budget speech to the City Council Tuesday evening. Touting Salt Lake City’s strong economy and unparalleled momentum, the Mayor began his speech by highlighting the national accolades Salt Lake City has recently received.
The Mayor’s budget continued his tradition of recommending to the Council that they keep property taxes flat for Salt Lake City home and business owners. The Mayor compared this year’s budget, which will see increased revenue from additional tax proceeds associated with growth and expansion to the budgets he oversaw during his first five years in office. From 2009-2013, in the midst of the Great Recession, the City experienced the worst budget crisis since the Great Depression
In spite of the belt tightening that was required during those years, Mayor Becker pointed out the City still achieved numerous successes, including adding eight miles of new rail in Salt Lake City and the beginning of construction of the new Eccles Theater with the help of over $28 million in private contributions.
The Mayor’s budget recommendation includes funding to make up for lost ground on projects and priorities that were delayed during the recession.
“This year’s budget shows how we plan to continue the work of delivering services to our residents and becoming a Great American City, one that is sustainable, equitable and well run,” said Mayor Becker.
Some of the highlights of Mayor Becker’s budget proposal include:
Recommendation that the City pay a living wage to all employees. Salaries of the lowest paid employees will increases to $10.10 an hour. “This is the right thing to do and it’s something I wish every employer in our country would do,” said Mayor Becker.
Recommendation that Salt Lake City’s new affordable housing program, 5,000 Doors, receive more funding to add staff to help administer the program more quickly. “Being able to rent or own your home in our City should not be cost prohibitive,” said Mayor Becker.
Recommendation that the City make a new $500,000 investment for earthquake preparedness to help Salt Lake City homeowners prepare for a major seismic event. “If there’s one thing that keeps me up at night, is thinking about Salt Lake City’s vulnerability to a major earthquake.,” said Mayor Becker.
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