Lexington City Council has given final approval for a $400 million general fund budget. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton called it a “healthy” budget with “lots of good services.”
Mayor Gorton said the newly approved budget for the fiscal year starting July first provides solid basic services funding. Other strong points include money for paving, vehicles and equipment, social services, non-profit agencies, and a boost in the affordable housing fund. “We can hire a few more people. You know, we don’t have all those 50 positions frozen and unfunded. It will take us through this next surge in the economy very well,” said Gorton.
The lone no vote came from veteran Councilman Richard Moloney who said budget reserves may give a false sense of security. “I’d rather have the numbers shown in front of us up front, so we can prepare for it. By doing this, it doesn’t show a good example of what we’re doing. We should line item everything. Everything should be line itemed. It should not be put into one pot of money,” explained Moloney.
Gorton said there’s nothing in the budget she needs to veto. The mayor added she and the Council must still get together on a process to spend well over $100 million in federal coronavirus funds. Gorton said all agree it will be important to hear from citizens about how to spend the American Rescue money.
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