New Vestavia Hills Budget Includes Pay Raise For City Employees

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — The Vestavia Hills City Council last week reviewed the city manager's budget proposal for the coming year, which includes pay increases for city employees, road paving projects and parks and recreation improvements.

The proposed budget includes a 5 percent merit increase for qualified employees, as well as longevity pay, and adds two new parks and recreation superintendent positions, according to a Vestavia Voice report. As well, a new program leader in the parks and recreation department is included in the budget.

The budget also includes a 1 percent cost-of-living increase for all employees to keep up with inflation rates.

City Manager Jeff Downes said in fiscal year 2020, the city anticipates about $46 million in revenue, though for several years, the city’s actual revenue was higher than what was budgeted. The general fund balance is expected to be about $14.3 million, Downes added.

Other highlights of the 2020 budget include:

• The creation of a special fund from the new gas tax. Those funds will be used to repave six miles of road and about $676,000 will be used to improve other roads in the city.
• Funding for three school resource officer positions.
• A pilot program which will allow the city to purchase new vehicles, a ladder truck for Station 4 and a heavy rescue unit for the city’s first responders.