PHOENIX (CN) — Several citizens of Arizona's capital told the city council Tuesday they are disappointed and frustrated by the city’s new budget proposal, which would add $27 million in general funds to the police department’s nearly billion-dollar budget while ignoring many of the issues local communities have been asking the council to address.
Thanks to recently enacted state laws prohibiting cities from collecting rental tax and converting the income tax system to a flat rate, Phoenix is facing projected deficits of $92 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and $31 million in fiscal year 2026-27. To combat the shortfall, City Manager Jeff Barton recommended the city set aside the $80 million in surplus projected for fiscal year 2024-25, meaning many issues addressed by the public over the last month aren’t accounted for in the budget proposal.
The most commonly requested budget action during March and April community meetings was more funding for legal counsel for people facing evictions, followed by increased funding for public drinking fountains, library services, fire department resources, affordable housing and services for the homeless.
On the other hand, community members most often asked the city to decrease expenditures for policing, road initiatives, general obligation bonds and the Green New Deal.
Despite the need to set aside the city’s financial surplus and vocal community disdain for police, next year’s budget proposal dedicates $768.1 million from the general fund to the police department, increasing its share from last year by $27 million. Across all items fueled by the general fund, the police department would receive 38% of the overall fund, beating the next highest receiving item by nearly $300 million.
The police department will also receive $212.9 million in special revenue funds, adding to a total of $981.1 million for fiscal year 2024-25 — a $2.5 million increase from last year’s total. Special revenue funding for police went down from last year, requiring additional money from the general fund.
The police department’s increased share of the general fund struck chords with community members who say their tax dollars should be spent on public health issues.
“It’s unfair that the police get $27 million while we don’t have water and people out there are dying in the streets,” south Phoenix resident Angelina told the council members. None of the speakers at Tuesday's meeting shared their last names.
Angelina asked the council members, who looked down at their phones much of the time as citizens gave public comments, to look her in the eyes, asking if they are proud of the work they have done.
“I don’t think the community is proud of you,” she said in Spanish.
Community members who spoke to the city council said they want more funding to go toward new water fountains and cooling stations. The budget includes funding for five new water stations.
“Phoenix is one of the biggest cities in the country and five additional water stations is not enough,” Isabel told the council members. “It’s a joke. Especially considering that unsheltered folks have been displaced and are being pushed out to west and south Phoenix, where it doesn’t seem like those fountains are even going to be located.
Phoenix Chief Innovation Officer Michael Hammett said the five new water stations will be installed downtown, but the city is looking to expand them further throughout the area in the future.
The city has 384 public water fountains across its public parks, but only 290 of them have chilled water. Council member Laura Pastor told city staff that she’d like to see American Rescue Plan Act dollars be used to build more water stations outside of downtown.
Barton clarified that the increase in police general funding matches the 3.5% increase in the overall general fund. He said most services fueled by the general fund will increase by around 3.5%, as well. He said the increase will mostly cover pension payouts and increased costs of vehicles.
But that didn’t satisfy residents who say they can’t trust the police to use that money to save lives.
“That money is ultimately money that comes from us,” south Phoenix resident Luke said. “It comes from the members of this community that need that money to be healthy, to be safe. But it’s not going to us. It’s not going to keep us safe. It’s not going to keep us healthy. It’s not going to protect us. It’s going to the police.”
Council members asked city staff general questions after public comment, but they did not deliberate or vote on the proposal. They’re set to make a final decision on May 21 and officially adopt the final budget ordinance on June 12.
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