Mayor Gorton proposes city budget

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)  – Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton outlined her first budget proposal for the city on Tuesday, saying “we must reset spending with this budget.

Under the proposal, Gorton asks all city departments to cut budgets by 15 percent, including public safety, which will account for 57 percent of the general fund budget.

Even with the cuts, Gorton states the city will still have an $11 million shortfall. She says the national economy is slowing down, and cities throughout the country are losing tax revenue as a result. Mayor Gorton does not propose a tax increase.

However, there are no raises for non-sworn personnel – meaning anyone other than police, firefighters, and jail employees – and no new positions. She does not propose any layoffs.

Gorton says her senior leadership staff would have a 12-day furlough. As an elected official, can’t be furloughed, but says she is pledging to write a check to the city matching 12 days worth of salary.

She says city departments will be able to fill vacancies for sworn-in personnel, like police officers, firefighters and corrections officers.

The budget proposal also includes:

• A new ladder truck and fire engine, costing $2.3 million.
• One million dollars for a self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters.
• Money to open and staff a new Masterson Station fire station.
• More than three million dollars to replace police vehicles.
• Money for ballistic vests, costing $120,000.
• Three million dollars to help social service agencies – the same amount as this year.
• $750,000 to help the homeless.
• $200,000 for workplace development.
• Eight million dollars for paving.
• $650,000 for traffic signals.
• $100,000 for pedestrian safety.

The budget proposal still needs the approval of the Urban County Council.