Revised Wilmington budget restores funding for youth programs

Wilmington City Council is expected to vote on the city’s operating budget proposal tonight.

Wilmington City Council is expected to vote on the city’s operating budget proposal tonight.  The spending plan has been altered since it was introduced by Mayor James Baker (D) earlier this year.

The revised budget restores $100,000 for summer youth job programs and $70,000 to continue live monitoring of neighborhood safety cameras.  Baker proposed the cuts to help bridge the city’s budget gap that had been $8 million for the current fiscal year.

Also restored in the revised budget, $168,000 in funding for three city workers who boot the cars of drivers with overdue tickets.  The Mayor has reversed course, and will not outsource that function as previously proposed to increase revenue.  Baker says, “This was a very tough budget that was developed and debated in the midst of a very tough economy that caused a severe decline in city revenues.”

In addition to restoring some proposed cuts, Baker has also agreed to a greater reduction of city costs related to consultants, take-home vehicles, overtime pay for special events, printing and travel.

City Council will consider the revised budget at its meeting tonight.