AKRON, Ohio — Akron City Council unanimously passed Mayor Shammas Malik's proposed $815 million operating budget for 2024 during its meeting on Monday night.
The operating budget outlines spending on Akron's city services and operating expenses. Council passed the city's $357 million capital budget last month.
The $815 million is a 2.1% increase from Akron's 2023 budget, which the mayor's office attributes to staffing costs. Most notably, Malik's budget allocates for 488 police officers, which his administration says is the highest number in over 20 years. The budget allows for 402 firefighters and EMS staff, which the city adds is the higest number in over 30 years.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work my administration has done with City Council to pass a budget that I think we can all agree on,” said Malik in a statement. “This budget accomplishes a lot for our city including some of the largest investments in public safety in several decades, realigning the Mayor's office to address longstanding issues like education, environmental sustainability, and more, and emphasizing large strategic investments surrounding topics like violence intervention, small business support, homelessness, and many other areas.
Malik first introduced his operating budget on March 11. On Friday, he and council leaders agreed on a series of changes that removed three vacant positions from the mayor's office budget.
- Data Transparency Strategist ($97,505)
- Public Engagement Strategist ($97,505)
- Environmental Policy Specialist ($48,752)
The new amendment added $90,000 for a grant writer for Akron Municipal Court, another inspector for the city's housing compliance department, plus other expenditures. You can read more about the amendment here.
"While this final budget holds off on funding three proposed roles I believe are important – a Data Transparency strategist, a Public Engagement strategist, and an Environmental Policy specialist to support our Director of Sustainability and Resiliency - I think working with City Council and being willing to listen to their concerns is also important to moving our city forward," Malik added. "I plan to seek grant funding for those three positions and continue to prioritize these areas with our existing staff capacity. Passing this budget each year is one of the most important things we as a city do for our community and I look forward to the work ahead as we continue following through on our goals and priorities for the City of Akron.”
Previous Reporting:
- Akron Mayor Shammas Malik unveils $815 million operating budget proposal, including increase in police officers
- City of Akron passes 2024 capital budget: See what's in the plan
- Akron Mayor Shammas Malik to give his first State of the City address on April 10 to mark 100 days in office: How to get free tickets
