Earlier this week, Metro Council unanimously adopted the FY 2021-2022 Budget during a third and final reading. The $2.6 billion budget passed ahead of the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
Mayor John Cooper said, “After a year of crisis, Nashville is finally entering an era of investment … We’re laying the foundation to build a city that truly works for everyone with historic investments in our schools, transportation, community safety, and affordable housing.”
Let’s look a little deeper into some funding increases included in the budget:
- $80 million increase in school funding, including pay raises
- $24.5 million increase for WeGo Transit
- $10.5 million increase for MNPD + $9 million for fire and EMS operations
- $2.4 million for new codes inspectors and Planning Department positions
- $3 million to fund Public Works’ new transportation division
- $2.7 million to fund new Parks Department positions
- $818,000 for the Mental Health Cooperative’s Crisis Treatment Center
- $644,200 for expanded hours + curbside service for 6 months at Nashville Public Library branches
- $170,200 for 3 new animal control positions
Several budget sessions + a public hearing were held before the budget was adopted. To learn more about how the city’s budget comes together, watch this 11-part community budget education series.