During a budget workshop this week, the Goldsboro City Council began reviewing the $64 million financial plan.

City Manager Tim Salmon first presented his budget message to the council, and said the city is planning for zero growth at its current tax rates and a 25% increase in utility water and sewer rates to pay for operations and infrastructure that provide the city’s water.

Salmon says significant investments include goals for a safe and secure community, with the Goldsboro Fire Department fully funded and the Goldsboro Police Department funded at current staffing levels.

Salmon says the city manager’s recommended budget reduces funding for non-profit organizations by 10%.

Goldsboro Finance Director Catherine Gwynn went through the expenditures, which include $31 million dollars in salaries and benefits.

Gwynn says they’re anticipating tax collections will remain about flat and she’s unsure if the COVID-19 crisis could end up collecting tax collections in the next year.

The Goldsboro City Council plans to meet again next week Tuesday to continue reviewing the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year Budget.

The Goldsboro City Manager’s recommended budget can be found here.