Mayor Declares: Revised Budget Won’t Raise Property Tax Rate

At a City Council work session on Thursday, the mayor will present a revised fiscal year 2011 budget proposal that balances the City’s finances without raising the property tax rate. The mayor’s budget amendment calls for millions of dollars in additional cuts and other changes to offset further declining revenues. It will also ensure the City has the cash flow necessary to keep up with expenses.

Here’s the mayor’s rationale for not raising the property tax rate:

“The public has spoken loud and clear about how we should tackle this budget crisis. We understand the government should not bail itself out to get through this crisis.”

The mayor will unveil details at the City Council Chambers, starting at 1:15 p.m. The event will be aired live on City TV (Verizon Channel 34 and Comcast Channel 99/100). Be sure to check out this blog and the City of Annapolis Twitter page (@cityofannapolis) for more details during the work session.

While the public will not have the opportunity to formally address the council on Thursday, people are invited to speak on the budget at a special meeting of the City Council on Monday. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., and the council is expected to pass the budget that night.

In the meantime, let the City Council know what you think about the mayor’s proposal to balance the budget while leaving the property tax rate untouched. Leave a comment here or reach out to the council members here.

The mayor talks about the budget and other matters below in his weekly video address: