Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has released a proposed budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year that totals nearly $500 million. That is 3.6 percent higher than the current spending plan.
Warren says more than half the increase in the budget results from a hike in the pension expenses. She says her spending plan is framed around a set of strategic investments including neighborhood and economic development, children and families, education and job opportunities, the arts, and public safety.
The budget calls for an increase of just under two percent in taxes and fees. The typical homeowner would pay $46.34 more per year.
The budget initially had a gap of $37 million, and that was reduced to $28 million by delaying some capital projects. The budget shortfall was also resolved by savings in some fringe benefits, and the additional $6 million in state aid.
