Public Invited to Comment on Mayor's Budget Proposal

Redmond residents are invited to comment on Mayor John Marchione's new budget proposal for the 2013-2014 biennium during the regular city council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Marchione presented his proposal at last week's city council study session. (Click here or on video above to see the presentation.)

The $581-million preliminary budget includes a 1 percent property tax increase and incorporates the city's budget-by-priorities process. These priorities were ranked by a team of residents and approved by the city council earlier this year; they include business (4 percent of budget), clean and green (8 percent), community building (5 percent), infrastructure and growth (43 percent), responsible government (16 percent) and safety (24 percent).

During his presentation, Marchione pointed out that the city's budget is growing at a slower rate than residents' income levels and said the city has done a good job at looking for ways to increase efficiency with its expenditures. He said officials remain committed to the city's vision of developing two vibrant urban centers, improving neighborhood connections, providing high-quality services, and offering choices for recreation, transportation and housing.

“The road ahead means we keep focusing on our vision, but the speed of the economy will dictate how fast we get to our vision," Marchione said. "Sometimes it requires patience.”

Tuesday's city council meeting takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St. A second public hearing on the budget proposal is scheduled for Nov. 20.