Council digs into budget
May 11—HIGH POINT — Despite a brighter revenue forecast, uncertainty still hangs over High Point's proposed 2021-22 budget.
One issue shrouded in mystery surrounds the $23.42 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds the city expects to get and how exactly the money can be used.
Officials told the City Council during a budget review Monday that it's possible the funds could be spent on priorities such as a Wi-Fi expansion around the city or a targeted neighborhood initiative to address poverty and crime.
"I would say we don't have a great idea yet (how the funds can be spent)," Assistant City Manager Eric Olmedo said. "We know it can be used for water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, special bonus pay for employees and can be used for revenue replacement. In our minds, that's going to help fund some of these general fund capital expenditures we're thinking about."
The budget would restore coronavirus pandemic-related cuts adopted last year and fund several new positions, including an assistant police chief, a diversity, equity and inclusion specialist, two erosion control inspectors, a stormwater specialist and a human resources training analyst.
The city's two biggest general fund revenue sources — property and sales tax collections — are projected to increase, which is one factor fueling the overall growth of the budget.
The property tax rate is proposed to remain at 64.75 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Council members asked staff to research a slew of possible projects for inclusion in a new spending plan.
Councilwoman Monica Peters asked about remaining two-thirds bond funds for improvements on S. Main Street. The money has been appropriated for a streetscape beautification project that has not gone forward.
"At this point, streetscaping that area really doesn't make sense, I agree, because it's in such bad shape," Peters said. "Could we use it for cameras at intersections to help with prostitution and drug (crime)?"
Councilman Cyril Jefferson asked about funding a study to support the goal of increasing the amount of participation by minority- and women-owned firms doing business with the city.
He also questioned whether anything related to the city's possible move toward becoming a federally sanctioned Fair Housing Agency should be included in the budget.
That idea is now under consideration by the Human Relations Commission.
The council agreed Monday to include "placeholder funds" in the budget for a city position that would act as a coordinator of a new mentorship program that would provide services from local nonprofits to at-risk youth.
City officials said they would look into this idea further to determine if these duties could be handled by an existing employee or if a new position would be required.
The council agreed to put off further budget deliberations until Monday, when a public hearing will be held. The budget is scheduled for adoption May 27.
pkimbrough@hpenews.com — 336-888-3531
pkimbrough@hpenews.com — 336-888-3531
