The City of Columbia released its fiscal year 2022-2023 budget. It’s essentially the city’s blueprint for various services that will be provided to the community via funds allocated + approved by City Council.

The budget — which focuses on everything from economic growth and improving public safety to beautification, infrastructure, and more — is set to go into effect on Fri., July 1.

We know number crunching is not everyone’s cup of tea + the FY22-23 document is not exactly light reading, so here’s a brief rundown of what’s inside.

💸 Let’s cash you up to speed

A look at amounts compared to last year

$164,810,594 — this year’s general fund, which is a 6% increase compared to last year’s budget
$141,835,914 — the projected revenue, which is a ~6.4% increase compared to last year’s budget
$75,731,932 — the amount budgeted for Public Safety, which is a 7.9% increase compared to last year’s budget
$21,080,911 — the allocated budget for Public Works, which is a 9.5% increase compared to last year’s budget

💸 Let’s hit on some “budget biggies” for this year:

Ya know, the things we know you’re already scouring for

There will be no tax rate or fee increases this year.
64% of the city’s total revenue will likely come from property taxes, licenses, and permits.
The allocated parking fund is $10,238,702 and the projected revenue is $9,238,702 — which primarily comes from parking meters + city owned monthly parking garages.

💸 Let’s see a snapshot of how the city will allocate its spending:

The nitty gritty stuff

$185,048,681 — Water and Sewer operating fund
$16,121,055 — Stormwater fund
$12,772,297 — Hospitality Tax budget
$2,660,000 — Accommodations (State) Tax Revenues budget

An in-depth document outlining this year’s budget can be found here, on the City of Columbia’s website.