Daily News | Mayor Jim Kenney’s no-surprises budget leaves Council with decisions on taxes, police spending, and federal aid
, calling for modest new spending on education and anti-violence programs while punting on difficult questions about the city’s tax structure until new property assessments are released in April.
The proposed budget leaves unspent only $152.8 million, or 2.8% of revenue, in a financial cushion known as the fund balance that could be tapped to cover unexpected fiscal strains. That’s below the city’s goal of maintaining a 6% fund balance, and well below the Government Finance Officers Association’s recommendation of leaving 17% unspent.
Kenney’ budget proposal, first made public Wednesday, kicks off a three-month process in which Council will hold hearings on department spending plans and negotiate with the administration over budget amendments that must be approved by the end of June. But the administration’s steady-as-she-goes approach will likely be challenged this year from several angles, including by Council members who are considering running to replace the term-limited mayor in next year’s election and are looking to make their mark.
Additionally, Philadelphia’s political environment in recent years has become more ideologically stark, and Kenney’s down-the-middle proposal will invite progressives and centrists to face off over issues including police spending and taxation. Council President Darrell L. Clarke said Thursday that lawmakers will go through the budget with an eye toward reducing poverty.
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