The city of Raleigh faces a $13 million budget gap, and could increase property taxes to cover it.
Simply put, the city's costs are outpacing revenues.
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In a presentation to city council, city staff explained how declining property tax revenue hinders the ability for the city to increase employee pay and fund projects like Dix Park.
The presentation at Monday's council meeting was the start of the annual budget process. City Manager Marchell Adams-David will present a budget proposal at the council meeting in May 19, and the public gets a chance to weigh in during the month of June. The city expects to have a new budget in place by June 30.
Residents have told the city -- in listening sessions held throughout the year -- that they'd like to see more investment in transportation, road maintenance, public safety and affordable housing, and that they believe the parks are adequately funded.
The city's stated funding priorities for fiscal year 26-27 are:
- paying employees better
- improving public safety
- parks and recreation
About 75% of residents surveyed agreed with those priorities. The most common comment on that survey was from residents who said the city has enough parks and should focus funding on other issues.
