VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — With days left before the City of Virginia Beach finalizes its proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, council members expanded it at the last minute.
At Tuesday's city council meeting, members decided to expand the city's budget to support the arts and fund the fire department.
Council members recommended adding 13 new firefighter positions in addition to the 17 positions that were already included in the budget. It would bring a total of 30 new positions. According to the city, these additional positions will further reduce overtime among firefighters, which could contribute to turnover rates and enhance the safety of the firefighters and the community.
Another notable budget change is the proposed increase of $35,000,00 in the police department's operating budget. This funding is earmarked for the replacement of fencing at the Animal Care and Adoption Facility, a crucial infrastructure improvement.
Moreover, the city wants to support the arts. Council members want to invest $1.6 million to expand current art facilities. Following a successful year, council members hope to bring back Parks After Dark programming. It would cost $353,012.
Council members will vote on the new budget on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.