Harrisburg City Council during a legislative session on Tuesday
Harrisburg has approved a spending plan for the new year that includes increased investments in public safety and for infrastructure.
City Council voted on Tuesday in favor of a $74.9 million general fund budget for 2023 that includes no property tax increase. The budget passed 6-1, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it.
Harrisburg introduced the proposed budget to council in November. Before voting to adopt the spending plan, council made small amendments to a few salaries, among several other items.
In total, the budget equals $110.4 million, including the general fund budget and the $20 million neighborhood services fund budget, among others.
Public safety is an area of focus in this year’s budget, as salaries for city police officers are set to increase by 3.5% and 16 new positions in the bureau will be funded.
Infrastructure improvements are another focus of the budget, including street lighting upgrades and ADA accessibility improvements within the State Street construction project. There are also funds designated for renovations to the MLK City Government Center and Public Safety building.
In other news, council voted to approve the appointment of David West as the director of the Public Works Department. West previously served as the director of public works before retiring in October 2021. However, the city contacted West about returning, and he was rehired in early July to resume his position, he said.
Additionally, council approved the appointment of Gina Roberson, special advisor to the mayor, to serve on the board of directors of the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority for a five-year term.
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