Amarillo City Council has unveiled a robust proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, totaling $557 million, marking a significant increase of $57.7 million from the previous year. Key highlights include funding for a new school liaison police officer and a firefighter, alongside a 4% raise for police and a 3% raise for fire department personnel.

The budget allocates over $30 million for street projects and $36 million for water and sewer initiatives, primarily aimed at designing new wastewater facilities. Additionally, a new dangerous structure removal team will be established to address hazardous buildings in the community more efficiently.

The proposed budget also includes $1.4 million for a new women's clinic at the public health department and a restoration of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees to 70%, a level not seen since before 2011.

On the revenue side, the city anticipates an increase of $70.6 million, driven by rising sales and property taxes. However, residents can expect slight increases in utility rates, with a 5% hike in water and sewer bills and a modest increase in solid waste fees.

This budget reflects Amarillo's commitment to enhancing public safety, infrastructure, and community health, setting the stage for significant developments in the coming year. For more details, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website at amarillo.gov.