After six months of negotiations, debate, and public review, the ink appears to be drying on Lexington’s next budget.
Despite some major alterations by the council – including a more generous raise for city workers and an extra $2.4 million for street paving – Gray says he’s prepared to let the budget hit the books.
"We've asked our commissioners to examine the budget for the changes and adjustments that the council made. What I've routinely said is that I really appreciate the way the council examined this budget. They did a yeoman's work. They really did some heavy lifting in examining the budget and we're not planning on making any adjustments or vetoes," he says.
The $324 million dollar spending plan also allots $22 million to jumpstart renovations on the crumbling former Lexington Courthouse, $10 million for a bike and pedestrian friendly corridor following Town Branch Creek downtown, and funding for police body cameras.
