Peoria City Council this week reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. The total proposed budget of $660 million maintains core citizen services with small, but necessary, adjustments to utility rates and without any increases to taxes.

"The FY 2019 proposed budget addresses key areas that council and city leadership have prioritized for the coming year, including public safety, economic development, neighborhood initiatives, youth and recreation, and capital improvements," said Peoria City Manager Jeff Tyne. "The budget is an excellent balance that will both address community needs and maintain the city's healthy fiscal path."

The proposed budget is comprised of four major categories: the operating budget at $294.4 million represents the day-to-day operations of the city; the capital budget at $277.1 million entails large, one-time capital projects; debt service payments at $41.5 million; and contingency reserve at $47 million. Also, the city is proposing a 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of $729.1 million.

As the community grows, new projects and amenities are needed to serve a growing population and maintain service levels. As the CIP is updated, city leaders took a hard look at the community needs and re-prioritized projects, timing, and funding to create a balanced set of amenities that will serve the community and further council goals. The recommended CIP includes major investments in economic development, parks, roadways, public safety facilities, and water and sewer infrastructure. This includes funding for the construction of several major projects already underway, including the expansion of the Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant, the Happy Valley Road Widening between Lake Pleasant Parkway and the Agua Fria River. Additionally, the CIP includes financial support for the Innovation Center in the P83 Entertainment District. Funding for the construction of Peoria's third community park is programmed in FY 2019, as is the Old Town Peoria identity plan and the Pedestrian and Shade Master Plan to enhance public spaces and the livability of the community.

"Creating and managing a balanced budget is one of the most important responsibilities of city government," said Mayor Cathy Carlat. "And, as we begin this process for FY 2019, we remain focused on our community's goals and long-term considerations to ensure every tax dollar is put to work for those that call Peoria home."

While the revenue picture is improving, expenditure growth across all city operations continues to outpace expected revenues. The FY 2019 proposed budget strikes a balance between available revenues and the needs of a fast-growing community. Priority areas within the proposed budget include:

To download the proposed budget document, visit www.peoriaaz.gov/budget.

Theater Works, the master tenant at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, received a wonderful gift from Peoria resident and local business owner Thom Gyder.

With a mission to increase the presence of arts in Old Town Peoria, Mr. Gyder generously commissioned and gifted a new artistic mural to adorn the walls at Theater Works.  The art was designed and executed by Maggie Dewar and R. Wall of Mural Mice Universal.