This year’s city budget, much like your household budget, reflected the economic struggles we are facing. As a result, hard choices were made about how to balance residents’ fees and taxes with the degree of service the City of Milwaukee is proud to provide. I’m proud of the Finance and Personnel Committee’s efforts and the Council’s hard work to coordinate a budget that serves the city amid trying times.

This year, the Council kept its pledge to hold the line on property taxes and as a result, the average homeowner will pay approximately $8.07 per $1000 of assessed value in city property taxes.

Additionally, neighborhood libraries will remain open and five person firefighting crews were restored on many engine companies. The Council also amended the mayor’s budget to fund 56 new sworn police officers.

A number of regular fees did shift with the budget including the snow and ice fee, the sewer fee and the storm water fee. These shifts were essential in providing the service our constituents expect.