Huntsville's new budget tops $300 million

Mayor Tommy Battle introduced the city’s new fiscal year operating budget this week, which is just over $312 million, and includes $33 million in special appropriations for outside agencies.

Huntsville’s new budget will be reviewed by the city council next week. Here are some highlights:

Huntsville’s new budget includes expansion to Big Spring Park

Battle proposed a balanced $312,814,218 operating budget, which includes $33,053,691 million in special appropriations for 67 outside agencies. This is an increase from last year’s $281 million operating budget.

Among the proposed capital projects are expansions of the Ice Complex and Big Spring Park; Ditto Landing, PARC greenway and the Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative.

Other highlights of the FY24 budget:

Increased Fire & Rescue personnel
New ladder truck at Fire Station #17 in Hampton Cove
Increased Police personnel
Increased Public Transit personnel to implement Phase I of its new service plan (new routes and Sunday service)
Additional sanitation routes and increased personnel
New Parks & Recreation positions for Therapeutic Recreation Leaders to provide specialized programming for people with differing abilities
2.5% cost of living adjustment for City employees
Parking garages to support tourism economy at the Orion Amphitheater and Apollo Park, downtown to support the Von Braun Center, and at John Hunt Park

“We’re proposing more investment in more road improvement projects and street resurfacing. As we look into the future, our budget accommodates the Northern Bypass, Eastern Bypass and Big Cove Road, among others. Such investments and the continued commitment to street resurfacing will help maintain the reasonable travel times our community enjoys.”
Mayor Tommy Battle

Council to review Battle’s budget

Huntsvile — Huntsville’s new budget will be reviewed next week by the City Council. (Nathan Watson/Hville Blast)

The Huntsville City Council will hold a work session on Sept. 21, at 5PM to review the budget in greater detail. The budget is up for final approval at the Council’s Sept. 28 meeting, in time for the Oct. 1 start of the 2024 fiscal year.

“As Huntsville continues its growth and expansion, so do the demands from our community on City services. The FY 24 budget meets this demand by incorporating ideas and innovative solutions to new challenges from City departments as they serve our citizens each day.”
Mayor Tommy Battle

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