Proposed 2015-2016 budget revealed for City of Orlando

Monday morning inside city hall, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and city council members revealed the proposed budget for 2015-2016 fiscal year.

Mayor Dyer gave Fox 35 a preview.

“This year we’re proposing to maintain our current millage rate while continuing our five-star service and to invest in Orlando,” he said. “We’re also saving our residents an average of $33 a year per household by foregoing automatic increases in our wastewater and solid waste fees.”

Deputy CFO Brian Battles said the budget to keep the City Beautiful up and running will total more than a billion dollars – more than $400 million for city services and roughly $715 million for other services, including government pensions.

“We’re investing more than $50 million in our city’s infrastructure, including resurfacing roadways so our resident can travel safely,” Mayor Dyer said. 

In addition to city services, like maintain streets, storm drains and parks, Mayor Dyer also included funding for the purchase of body cameras for the Orlando Police Department.

“The hard work of our police department is making a difference in our community,” Mayor Dyer said. “Our overall crime citywide is down 20 percent since 2007.”

Mayor Dyer says the numbers are heading in the right direction.

“I hear every day how proud our residents are to live here in Orlando,” he said. “Together, we are committed to continuing to invest in our city to ensure we remain the best city in the country to live, work and raise a family.”

The first public hearing in response to Mayor Dyer’s 2015-2016 budget and resolutions is scheduled for Sept. 9.