White's budget proposal aimed at city services

Mayor Bill White proposed a $1.8 billion city general fund budget for fiscal year 2007 to City Council yesterday, more than half of which is earmarked for public safety. Among the items are two extra police academy classes and payraises for firefighters, aimed squarely at problems in those departments, as well as more money for public health and libraries. The general fund proposal is 6.6 percent higher than last year's; White said revenue from property and sales taxes would cover the increase. "The city is in sound financial condition because of the reforms and discipline implemented over the last two and one-half years," he told councilmembers.

The general fund budget, which pays for the operation of most city departments, is part of White's overall $3.4 billion city budget proposal — a 7.5 percent increase over last year, according to the Houston Business Journal. Councilmembers will attend workshops on the proposal in the next few weeks and are expected to approve a budget by June 30.