Mayor Andy Berke waits to speak to a crowd on Thursday during a public forum called "Chattanooga Forward" hosted by Mayor Berke at Rivermont Elementary School in Chattanooga.Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke's proposed 2015 budget funnels more money into public safety while keeping property taxes the same.
Berke's budget, which City Council members will review today at 2:30 p.m., funds 486 sworn employees in the police department, allocates nearly $1 million to resolve officer pay disparities and directs money to area agencies to provide services for gang members and felons through the Chattanooga Violence Reduction Initiative.
The number of sworn police officers is not increasing in next year's budget; last year Berke included funding for an additional 40 officers.
More than $100 million of the $216 million operating budget is proposed to go to public safety and crime prevention programs.
The budget will also fund new initiatives.
A Chattanooga Baby College will be created that will teach mothers and fathers to be better parents. A new contract has been extended to Orange Grove Center to increase curbside recycling.
Berke's administration said officials will track specific outcomes throughout the year to ensure the programs are successful.
If approved by City Council the budget will go into effect July 1.
Check back at the Times Free Press for continuing updates.