Chattanooga City Hall
Chattanooga Mayor Andy BerkeMAYOR’S OFFICE GOALSSafer Streets:• Decrease domestic violence crime rate• Decrease violent crime rate• Decrease the number of aggravated assaults• Reduce the number of shootingsSmarter Students & Stronger Families:• Increase the number of 3rd graders reading at “proficient’ level as defined by the state• Decrease drop-out rate• Decrease youth crime rate• Increase college attainmentStronger Neighborhoods:• Increase number of Chattanoogans over the age of 16 who are employed• Decrease blight by reducing the number of buildings in disrepair• Improve the condition of private neighborhoods and promote new construction• Increase connectivity within the citySounder Government:• Increase the percentage of city employees trained in the areas that directly impact their work• Reduce the city’s energy cost• Increase citizen access to city services• Increase the percentage of data sets available online
Chattanooga is one step closer to adding more police officers on the streets and programs to boost reading scores and clean up neighborhoods.
With a 9-0 vote Tuesday night, City Council members approved the first reading of Mayor Andy Berke’s $212 million budget. With a council OK next week, the budget will be adopted.
As part of the 2014 budget, all city employees will get a 1.5 percent raise, the city will fund a federal prosecutor to go after gang leaders and the worst drug traffickers as well as residents will face a 10 percent stormwater fee increase.
“A vote for this budget is a vote for safer streets,” Berke told the council. “We appreciate the council giving us a little extra time to present a budget we are proud of.”