LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Metro government has an unexpected surplus, and leaders are figuring out how to spend it.
Mayor Greg Fischer's office says the $30.7 million comes from an "outstanding economic performance" during the last fiscal year.
Leaders propose putting $20 million of it in the "rainy day" fund for the next administration and spending the rest on various projects.
“The next administration will face the typical challenges that come every budget cycle and the increase in the rainy-day fund will help them navigate those challenges,” Fischer said.
Louisville's Chief Financial Officer Monica Harmon says they expected some agency savings due to COVID-related challenges in filling positions.
“But the revenue growth was greater than expected, and there were also internal savings as agencies focused on spending time-limited American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds," Harmon said.
The proposed projects in the ordinance are:
- $1.3 million toward the Revenue Commission's work to improve tax collection system
- $1.5 million to supplement ARP Workforce Development priorities
- $4.2 million to finish renovations of former Youth Detention Center to house Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
- $500,000 for the Department of Public Health and Wellness
- $300,000 to hire additional staff and buy a vehicle for Youth Transportation Services
- $1.4 million to address structural issues at the historic Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion
- $1 million for lighting projects for city underpasses
The Metro Council Budget Committee will discuss the proposal Nov. 17.
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