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Phoenix Council adopts FY 2025–26 budget after heated debate over police funding and housing aid
Summary
The Phoenix City Council approved a balanced fiscal 2025–26 budget that increases funding for fire response and maintains major services while adding $46 million to the police budget. Councilmember Anna Hernandez cast the lone no vote and proposed a substitute motion to shift $7 million from police overtime to housing and community programs.
Phoenix City Council on Wednesday approved a balanced fiscal year 2025–26 budget that adds nearly $25 million for the fire department and expands a newly seeded Housing Trust Fund, while approving an increase of about $46 million in police-related costs.
The vote was 8–1. Councilmember Anna Hernandez voted no and made a substitute motion to restrict a $109 million contingency set‑aside and reallocate $7 million of ongoing funding from the Phoenix Police Department sworn officer overtime line to cover emergency housing vouchers and other community programs.
The budget package, presented by City Manager Jeff Barton and Budget Director Amber Williamson, preserves parks, library and public‑safety programming while setting aside reserves for an anticipated fiscal shock. “We as a council — you are required, unlike the federal government — to balance our budget,” Barton told the council during the presentation.
Mayor Kate Gallego framed the…
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