Budget Focuses On Neighborhoods, Public Safety And Quality Development In Greenville

Press release from the City of Greenville:

May 24, 2021

Greenville City Council gave initial approval to a nearly $144 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2022. General fund revenue comes primarily from property taxes and business and insurance licenses. Projected revenue is $136 million. The City proposes using just under $8 million from its fund balance to make up the difference. The fund balance is maintained for this purpose and the City will still have fund balance more than the 20% target. The FY22 budget does not include a tax increase.

Primary Focus Areas for General Fund Expenditures

• Neighborhood Infrastructure
• GVL2040: Open Space, Affordable Housing, Mobility
• Economic Development
• Public Safety and First Responders

The budget includes a $32 million Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond. The bond will allow significant investment in streets, sidewalks, and public spaces without a tax increase, through restructuring Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plans and future growth in City revenue.

• Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond Breakdown
• $11 million for road and bridge improvements
• $7 million for parks, recreation, community centers, playgrounds, and sports courts.
• $6.1 million for transportation management, traffic signals
• $5.4 million for sidewalk construction
• $2 million reserve/contingency

In addition to the Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond program, the FY22 budget includes approximately $3.7 million for sidewalk improvements in the City’s Special Emphasis Neighborhoods, funded using the CDBG Section 108 Loan Program.

City Council adopted the twenty-year long-range GVL2040 plan in February. Staff, stakeholders, and community leaders spent 18-months developing a road map for Greenville’s balanced growth with a focus on open spaces, affordable housing, and mobility.

Spending on GVL2040 Priorities

• $6,650,000 for sidewalks, trails, and intersection improvements
• $500,000 for Land/Open Space Acquisition
• $250,000 For enhancement of the City’s Tree Canopy

Affordable Housing Investment

Proposed Amendment to General Fund CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) FY22-26

• $10.5 million over 5 years from the City ($1 million in FY22)
• $7 million over 5 years from County Square Funding ($5 million from City, $2 million from County earmarked for Haynie-Sirrine area)

As City staff implement GVL 2040, we recognize the need for enhanced resources in Planning & Development. The FY22 budget includes funding for five additional staff positions, outside consultants and space for Community Design Studio.

Economic Development initiatives

• $1.5 million ED Fund (to fund Public-Private Partnerships and Development Agreements)
• $1.5 million Commercial Corridors
• $850,000 ED Initiatives (including marketing, office tenant recruitment and support for NEXT)
• $150,000 Downtown Façade Improvements

Public Safety makes up the largest portion of the City’s General Fund budget. The proposed FY22 budget continues to make investments in Law Enforcement and Fire protection for our residents and businesses.

Significant Public Safety Investments

• $1.2 million Fire Station Improvements
• $370,000 Police Body Camera Contract
• $125,000 for Police LEC Facilities – space needs assessment and planning funds
• $45,000 to support a Homeless Services Coordinator with non-profit partner

Additional Funding Sources:

• $35 million Enterprise Funds – Parking, Stormwater, Sewer, Zoo
• $21 million Tourism Funds – Including Hospitality and Accommodations Taxes
• $19 million Special Revenue Funds – CDBG, Events Management, Solid Waste

View Budget Presentation

This press release was produced by the City of Greenville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.