Tacoma City Councilmembers unanimously approved the 2009-2010 Biennial Budget during tonight’s meeting. The balanced $440,793,100 General Fund budget requires the use of $13.9 million in beginning cash to allow the City to maintain existing levels of service during this time of economic uncertainty and falling revenues. However, City reserve funds will be maintained between five and 15 percent, as required.

The City is striving to maintain momentum in critical community programs by being strategic regarding new investments in the next biennium, according to City Manager Eric Anderson. The ordinance appropriates funds for additional police officers to help keep local schools safe; for building and land use staff in an effort to improve plan review service times and performance; and for selected other staff.

The 2009-2010 budget continues allocations for the Tacoma Farmer’s Market Association, the United Way Early Learning Initiative, Safe Streets and the Hilltop Action Coalition.

The budget also includes funds to begin implementing the results of the Classification and Total Compensation Study for non-represented employees, which will move the City toward using a pay-for-performance compensation methodology.

The total citywide budget, including Tacoma Public Utilities and all funds, is approximately $2.8 billion.

Details of the 2009-2010 Biennial Budget are available on the City’s Online Newsroom at http://www.cityoftacoma.org/tacomanews.