Budget & Bonds Update
City Council voted on the proposed FY 2006-07 budget at its June 20 meeting. The approved budget calls for a 5.5-cent increase in the property tax rate to fund many new services, including:
  • opening the solid waste transfer station
  • providing competitive pay for Public Safety employees 
  • providing funds for increased fuel and energy costs 
  • opening the new Fire Station at Willow Road 
  • increasing funds to operate SCAT and provide new service for GTA  
  • 32 new police officers

In order to keep the tax increase as low as possible, cuts in programs and services were made throughout the City organization. A second vote on the budget will be held on June 27 at 8:30 am in the Council Chamber before it becomes final.

Council also voted on 11 proposed bond issues for a November 7 referendum. All items were approved except for Libraries, which increased from $8.6 to $10.6 million, and will need a second vote at the July 18 Council meeting. A public hearing on the bonds is scheduled for the July 31 Council meeting.

SCAT Update

GTA and the Specialized Community Area Transportation (SCAT) service will see some changes beginning January 1, 2007.  Council voted to accept nine of 10 recommendations from the GTA Task Force. These include:

  • An increase of 10 cents per year for three years in the fixed-route fare 
  • An increase in the SCAT fare of 20 cents per year for 3 years
  • Elimination of the SCAT Unlimited Monthly ride
  • Certified SCAT riders may use the fixed-route service at no cost

Council made one change in the recommendations, approving a 60-ride SCAT pass for $72 instead of a 40-ride pass for $56.

Protect Our Watersheds

Fishing at Lake HigginsSummer's here, and with the rising temperatures, many people head to the nearest body of water to cool off. The City of Greensboro reminds you that many recreational activities, such as swimming and all terrain vehicles, are illegal on any City property adjacent to Lake Brandt, Lake Townsend and Lake Higgins or on the exposed lakebeds or lake banks, in order to protect our water supplies. Fishing, biking, walking and jogging are allowed in posted areas only. Trespassers can be fined up to $250 for each violation.

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

City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day. There will be no garbage and recycling collection that day. Tuesday’s collection will take place on Wednesday, July 5. The White Street Landfill will be closed on July 4.

The National Night Out kickoff takes place on June 27, from 6-8:30 pm at First Baptist Church, 1000 West Friendly Ave. The kickoff is open to anyone interested in participating in the August 1 observance of National Night Out. Leaders will be given supplies, and ideas will be shared.

Government Works: A City Academy is gearing up for its third year. Applications are now being accepted for this 10-week program that teaches Greensboro residents about the inner workings of their City government. You may apply online or by calling 373-CITY (2489).

Council members will discuss their thoughts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report on July 18 at 4 pm in the Plaza Level Conference Room. The session will be open to the public, but audience members will not be invited to speak.