MAYOR ALLAN FUNG PROPOSES FY 2017 CRANSTON CITY BUDGET
Fung Proposes Fourth “No Tax Increase” Budget in Five Years
Cranston – Mayor Allan Fung this evening proposed his fiscal year 2017 city budget to the residents of Cranston. For the fourth time in the past five years, Fung offered a balanced budget that would not increase commercial or residential property taxes. Fung’s budget was delivered at a special meeting of the City Council, which will begin hearings on the proposal next week.
“I am incredibly pleased to announce that for the fourth time in five years, we will have no property tax increase!” declared Mayor Fung. He reviewed the overall condition of city finances and highlighted spending priorities for the coming year during a speech to members of the City Council and other citizens in attendance.
Fung’s budget proposal includes a significant spending increase for the Cranston School Department to help offset the cost of implementing all-day kindergarten and the conversion of Hope Highlands to a middle school. The city’s increased appropriation will also help to subsidize middle school sports and music programs. The overall school budget, including both funds from the city and state education aid would increase approximately 3.2% under the proposed budget. The Cranston Public Libraries would also see an increase of 2.3% in combined city and state funding under the budget as proposed by Mayor Fung.
Increased school funding and other expenses are offset by savings in other areas, including a reduction in debt service achieved by refinancing bonds to lower rates and paying off long term debt. The city will also achieve considerable savings by purchasing its street lights from National Grid, thereby eliminating costly payments to the utility company. The city is also looking into converting streetlights to more energy efficient fixtures that could save even more money in future budget years.
“My budget is direct evidence a community can maintain its infrastructure and improve service to its residents without raising property taxes,” stated Mayor Fung. “The fiscal health of our city does not come at the expense of our quality of life. As a result of our hard work, we have been named one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live according to 24/7 Wall Street for the second consecutive year. All of our success begins with the fiscal health of the city. Over the last seven years, we have been innovative, efficient, and most importantly, fiscal watch-dogs with tax dollars. Strong schools and excellent municipal services can be achieved when dollars are managed responsibly. This is what we have delivered year after year,” concluded Fung
