Montgomery, Ala. – At a news conference on Thursday, Mayor Steven Reed expressed confidence that the Montgomery City Council will move forward with the city’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The plan calls for $373.3 million in spending, up from the $353.2 million budget approved for fiscal 2026.
Balanced budget and revenue outlook
Mayor Reed emphasized that the budget is balanced with no projected deficit. He highlighted a projected 9% increase in sales‑tax collections, which is expected to generate the additional revenue needed to fund the expanded budget without raising taxes on residents.
Public‑safety funding
The proposal allocates $126.7 million to police, fire and rescue services. This investment reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety, especially as officials report continued improvements in crime statistics. Homicides are down 19% this year, violent crime has fallen 15%, and non‑violent offenses are 25% lower than last year, according to the Montgomery Police Department.
Core city services
Beyond public safety, the budget earmarks $29.4 million for sanitation, $14.3 million for street maintenance, $20 million for parks and recreation, and $10.5 million for community partners that support neighborhood initiatives. These allocations aim to maintain essential services while enhancing quality of life for families throughout Montgomery.
Mayor’s outlook
Reed told reporters that the city’s financial footing is strong and that the council’s approval of the budget will allow Montgomery to continue its progress on safety, infrastructure and community programs. He noted that the fiscal year 2027 begins on October 1, giving the council a clear timeline to act.
Next steps
The Montgomery City Council is expected to consider the budget in its upcoming regular session. Council members have expressed general support, though individual votes will determine the final outcome. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through council meetings and city communications.
For more information on the budget proposal, residents can visit the City of Montgomery’s official website or contact the mayor’s office directly.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
