GOODWIN ADMINISTRATION BUDGET EFFECTIVE TODAY

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin’s first budget as Mayor goes into effect beginning today, July 1. The $98.9 million budget used a blended approach to close a $3 million budget gap without increasing fees or using one-time monies.

“Our administration is committed to listening to what the people of Charleston want and need from their city government. This budget reflects the priorities we have heard from folks throughout our neighborhoods – safe streets, clean communities, recreational opportunities for our youth, pothole-free roads and economic growth for our businesses,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “We are excited to use this budget to help us move forward in making Charleston a vibrant city to live, work and play.”

Some highlights of the 2019-2020 budget include:

  • Increasing initial funding for building demolition by $225,000 (350% increase)
  • Increasing the City’s paving budget by $1.5M (for a total of $3M)
  • Purchasing 15 new police vehicles, a new Ambulance, a Fire Department Pumper Truck and two new street sweepers
  • Reducing the City’s contracted services budget by $101,000
  • Reducing travel budget by $86,000
  • Reducing the City’s overtime budget by $390,000
  • Reducing materials and supplies by $358,000.
  • Reducing postage by $50,000.

The 2019-2020 budget was approved by Charleston City Council during their meeting on March 18, 2019.