While the overall numbers would drop under Mayor Mike Houston’s proposed budget, more will be spent for equipment for the city’s first responders beginning in the new fiscal year in March according to city budget director Bill McCarty.
“We’re looking at procuring 40 new police vehicles as well as additional vehicles and equipment for public works and fire” says McCarty.
He says the proposed spending plan is 1-percent less than the current year. Aldermen met Monday night to hear the first of a series of budget proposals from city departments and are set to vote next month. The proposed budget can be viewed on the city’s website.