The City Manager presented the 2020-2021 Proposed Budget and 2019-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at today’s City Council meeting. The documents can be viewed at
www.wichita.gov as well as at all Wichita Public Library branches.
A public hearing was also held today during the City Council meeting with two additional public hearings scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Tuesday, Aug. 13. The City Council meetings start at 9 a.m.
Additional public engagement on the budget included a new online budget simulator which was offered from May 13 to June 15. City officials also made presentations to all District Advisory Boards and held a Social Media Town Hall event in June. The town hall shared results from the budget simulator and provided a way for participants to provide feedback. The event had a reach of 80,527 with 700 comments.
Budget Highlights
The mill levy rate is unchanged. The 2020 budget is based on an estimated mill levy rate equal to last year’s rate.
Additional funding for park maintenance. The funds would be used to address maintenance requests in a more timely fashion.
Library Branch Study recommendations are included. All current library branches are funded in the 2020 Budget.
Street maintenance improvements continue. The Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget are integrated to provide $9 million in funding in 2019, $10 million in 2020, and $11 million in 2021 for street maintenance.
Reserves are maintained at appropriate levels. The 2019 budget includes General Fund reserves of $34.8 million, which is greater than 10% of projected expenditures, in accordance with City Council policy.
Seven grant-funded police officers are moved to the General Fund after the retention period ends. The officers currently patrol the Broadway Corridor.
Capital Improvement Plan Highlights
The 2019-2028 Proposed CIP is based on a project prioritization model.
Public Safety, $92.2 million: This includes $30.2 million to replace fire trucks and related equipment, $10 million for Police and Fire radio replacements and $13.9 million for other Public Safety equipment and facility upgrades. There is also $38.1 million in funding for the replacement of four Police stations and three Fire stations.
Downtown projects, $39.3 million: Public investment in downtown continues to provide infrastructure that supports hundreds of millions in private investment.
Street pavement maintenance, $98 million: The street maintenance efforts would be expanded with this funding.
Park & Recreation Aquatics Plan, $20.8 million: Funding is allocated to upgrade six City pools and to add six new splash pads.
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Bicycle and Pedestrian improvement projects, nearly $14.3 million: These projects leverage federal funding and are based upon priority areas recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board.
The City of Wichita’s mission is to be an exceptionally well-run city that keeps Wichita safe, grows the economy, builds dependable infrastructure, and provides conditions for living well. Both the $625 million 2020-2021 Operating Budget and the $2.4 billion, 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are aligned with this mission.