Charleston Leader

The City of Charleston 2023 - 2024 budget, presented by Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and Finance Director Andy Wood during the March 6 Finance Committee meeting, was approved during tonight’s Charleston City Council meeting.  This budget will go into effect July 1, 2023.

“We could not do the work we do in Charleston without our dedicated City employees who not only provide valuable services and programs to those in our community, but also ensure our local government continues to operate efficiently and effectively,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “The FY 2024 budget does not cut or eliminate any essential services, keeps healthcare costs flat for our employees, and puts a plan in place to make sure none of our employees are making less than $15/hour. In addition, we will continue to maintain elevated levels of funding for paving and demolitions.”

The City’s FY 2024 Budget:  

• Does not cut or eliminate any essential services – including police and fire.
• Does not include any new taxes or fees.
• Takes the first steps toward increasing salaries of City employees to no less than $15/hour.
• Makes the salaries of tenured police officers more competitive – helping improve retention.
• Increases ride time for paramedics and provides them an increase to the paramedic bonus.
• Keeps health care premiums for employees and retirees flat by absorbing the estimated 16% PEIA cost increase and increasing our contributions to those employees with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Last December, in anticipation of rising costs, the City asked Council to approve $1M for Health Care Reserve Premium Stabilization.
• Maintains elevated levels of funding for paving, ADA, demolitions.
• Includes continued investment in parks for the City’s young people to go outside and play.
• Includes funding for equipment for Departments – including Fire, Police, Public Works and Parks and Recreation.

Original source can be found here