City Manager's Proposed 2006-07 Budget

City Manager Mitch Johnson presented his proposed 2006-07 budget at the May 16 Council meeting. During the presentation, he noted that the following principles guided his decisions in developing the $385 million budget: maintain sound fiscal policy; maintain current level of services while minimizing tax increase; focus new funding on public safety/provide competitive pay to public safety staff; reduce financial impact of transition to transfer station as much as possible; and increase efficiency in City government.

The proposed budget contains a 5.25 cent tax increase as follows:

  • 1.10 cents to increase funding for debt service
  • 1.15 cents to fund new transfer station
  • 1 cent for new Fire station personnel and operations, maintenance of Center City Park, and improvements to Barber Park and parking decks
  • 1.50 cents to offset rising fuel and energy costs, increase Public Safety employees’ pay, and fund employee benefits
  • .50 cents to fund GTA/SCAT service

Council work sessions to discuss the proposed budget are scheduled on May 23 at 9 am, June 5 at 4 pm, and June 8 at 4 pm. The sessions will be held in the Plaza Level Conference Room of the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St., and are open to the public. 

ACC Hoops Coming Home Again and Again and Again! 

Tournament TownWhen the Atlantic Coast Conference recently announced locations for future basketball tournaments, it was clearly an endorsement of the City of Greensboro’s rich history with the tournament and the league. The ACC chose the Greensboro Coliseum for the Men’s Tournament in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015. That’s in addition to the already announced plan for the Men’s Tournament in 2010. 

In addition, the Greensboro Coliseum will continue to host the Women’s Tournament through 2015, making Greensboro the almost permanent home of the ACC Women’s tourney. The Women’s Tournament has played to record crowds in Greensboro since 2000.

Possible Bonds for November Referendum

Council has tentatively selected 11 items to appear on a fall bond referendum. While the final lineup may change on June 6 when Council votes on the list, here are the current standings.

Interim Police Chief Tim Bellamy moves wreath during ceremony
Interim Greensboro Police Chief Tim Bellamy prepares to place a wreath near the memorial honoring fallen police officers during the Police Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 19.


Questions or comments about this newsletter should be addressed to: Nancy Lindemeyer, Communications Manager, 373-2105 or email.
Did You Know

A budget review task force for GTA has conducted a comprehensive review of GTA's current financial and operating conditions, services, and future needs. Comprised of City Council members and GTA Board members, the task force has issued a final set of recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.

The City received three awards during the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce 2006 Business Awards ceremony on May 11. The Equipment Services Division and the North Buffalo Water Reclamation Facility both received Gold Awards for Safety from the NC Department of Labor. The City also received the Outstanding Media Advocate of the Year Award from the Greensboro Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities for accessibility improvements to the City's website.

Fit Together, a statewide initiative working to combat obesity, has named Greensboro a "Fit Community" for supporting healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco-free living through policy and community infrastructure. This new statewide designation recognizes NC communities that have excelled in promoting healthier lifestyles among residents. Greensboro was one of eight communities to receive the designation.